TNB’s Protégé-Ready to Work Programme tackles graduate unemployment head on while building a skilled workforce for Malaysia’s energy sector
SINCE 2011, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has been shaping Malaysia’s future workforce through its Protégé-Ready to Work Programme (Protégé-RTW).
What started as a way to help fresh graduates enter the job market has blossomed into an essential training ground for professionals across engineering, IT, management and more. To date, over 330 Protégé graduates have officially joined the TNB family, highlighting the programme’s vital role in bridging education and real-world experience.
But numbers only tell part of the story. TNB’s Protégé programme is about more than just employment statistics; it’s about giving graduates a launchpad for meaningful, sustainable careers.
Every Protégé graduate undergoes an employability assessment six months after completing the programme, helping TNB fine-tune the experience based on actual career outcomes.
This process makes sure the programme keeps pace with industry trends and evolving workforce demands, so every cohort of Protégé trainees is better prepared than the last.
What makes Protégé-RTW special? TNB has designed the programme to blend hands-on technical training with the development of essential soft skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
With the support of TNB Integrated Learning Solution Sdn Bhd or ILSAS, a TNB subsidiary specialising in training and skill development, Protégé participants learn industry-specific techniques while also building versatile skills that help them succeed across diverse roles.
Protégé-RTW offers an extensive range of opportunities, from roles in engineering projects to IT solutions and management initiatives.
By balancing hard and soft skills, TNB is preparing its graduates not only for success within the company but also for a world where adaptable, technically- skilled professionals are in high demand.
A big part of Protégé-RTW’s success lies in its focus on industry collaboration.
TNB prioritises selecting graduates whose academic backgrounds align with operational needs in fields like engineering, IT and business.
These participants are placed not just within TNB but also across its subsidiaries and in Malaysia’s broader electricity supply sector, providing valuable exposure to real-world scenarios from the start.
This emphasis on collaboration extends well beyond TNB.
By nurturing a network of skilled graduates, the programme supports a pool of talent that benefits TNB’s partners and stakeholders across the sector.
This growing ecosystem of well-trained professionals strengthens Malaysia’s electricity supply industry as a whole, encouraging collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.
TNB knows that preparing graduates for success involves more than classroom learning. Protégé-RTW offers comprehensive support, from on-site accommodations and meals to monthly allowances, ensuring participants have the resources they need to focus fully on their development.
TNB also provides medical claim coverage and personal protective equipment for those in technical roles, making sure every trainee can work safely and confidently.
And it’s not just about convenience – Protégé-RTW’s training approach combines theoretical learning with real-world practice, thanks to the expertise of TNB ILSAS Sdn Bhd.
This blend means that when graduates leave the programme, they’re ready for the unique challenges of the electricity sector, well-prepared to take on the exciting opportunities that await them.
A greener future
As TNB looks to the future, it recognises the growing importance of sustainable energy.
Protégé-RTW graduates are increasingly prepared to tackle the challenges of a green energy landscape, equipped with knowledge in energy efficiency and green technology solutions.
TNB regularly assesses and adapts the programme to ensure it stays relevant, with each new graduate class ready to support Malaysia’s shift towards a more sustainable future.
By addressing both graduate unemployment and the need for a future-ready workforce, Protégé-RTW is positioning TNB – and Malaysia – for success.
As the nation’s energy sector evolves, Protégé-RTW will continue to play a critical role in empowering young professionals, fuelling progress and supporting economic growth.
In building a skilled and forward-thinking workforce, TNB is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future for Malaysia.
Through Protégé-RTW, TNB is powering careers, advancing innovation and ensuring that talented graduates have the tools to shape a stronger, more resilient energy sector for years to come.