KOTA KINABALU: Montfort Youth Training Centre (MYTC) will be introducing a new skill training course for youths with the implementation of its pilot Oil Palm Plantation Conductorship course.The new course, which will be rolled out in July 2019 at its campus in Kinarut, is carried out in partnership with the Malaysian Estate Owners Association (MEOA), MYTC said in a statement.MEOA and its members, including their affiliate from Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SAPPOA), will provide the initial leadership, knowledge sharing, along with a start-up funding of RM200,000. This is part of the association’s social responsibility contribution towards human resource development, the centre added.
Other companies such as IJM Plantations Berhad and Eurostar Tractors will also be rendering local technical and training support.MYTC noted in 2018, Sabah and Sarawak had a total of 3.1 million hectares of oil palm planted area and covers over 53 per cent of total oil palm planted area in Malaysia. It also noted that there is a dire requirement for quality and skilled local human resource for this sector which has contributed significantly to the annual GDP. “In this sector, there are many employment opportunities throughout its supply chain ranging from working in the upstream sector involving estates and mills to the downstream activities, and also the spin-off service providers. In this context, the Youth-in-Need should not be left out,” MYTC said.The course aims to generate skilled workforce who can contribute to the pursuit and improvement of best practices in the oil palm industry. MYTC also aims to forge partnerships with other relevant industry stakeholders through sharing of expertise and knowledge. It also welcomes sponsorship and monetary contribution.It believes that the plantation course is also very relevant as many of the less privileged youth especially from the rural interior areas in Sabah and Sarawak are very likely to be exposed to the grass-root agricultural activities. With their acquired new skill and know-hows, the youth can be gainfully employed in the many plantation companies throughout Malaysia and/or returning to their homes to be future entrepreneurs and good stewards of their lands.
The MYTC plantation conductorship course emphasises on both the knowledge and practical skills needed in the field of supervision in plantation. Trainees will learn supervisory role, safety practices, distribution of materials to the fields, suitability of correct equipment and machinery to be used; appropriate supervision of workers to ensure production standards are achieved, provide work schedule and generate daily reports and progress of works. In addition, basic motor vehicle mechanics and shielded metal arc welding will also be incorporated for them for an appreciation of the machineries and workshop practices in plantation.To fortify the coursework, the trainees will also undergo field work trainings as well as industry practical attachment training in the plantation. They will also be nurtured in basic communication in English language, arithmetic and computer knowledge over the two years programme.Graduating trainees from the course can apply for Plantation Field Conductor posts. Potential and opportunities to be promoted and progress beyond staff to executive level are possible.Thye centre announced that eligible youth are encouraged to apply. They must be between18 to 20 years with priority accorded to those who are orphaned, from poor and large families particularly from the rural and interiors areas of Sabah and Sarawak. SPM leavers, as well as youth who did not complete their formal primary and secondary school education but are interested in the course are also encouraged to apply. Interested youth are to contact MYTC (www.montfortsabah.org) for more information and to submit their application forms accordingly.The two-year course which covers full training and boarding will be provided free for the eligible and selected trainees. However, MYTC said parents/ guardian/sponsors are encouraged to contribute a minimum monthly sum towards the trainees’ food subsidy based on their affordability.Currently, MYTC conducts four skills training courses over two-year residential care programmes, namely in Motor Mechanic, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Mechanic and Furniture Making. The birth of the Oil Palm Plantation Conductorship will be its fifth (5th) skill training programme.
Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my
