Kulasegaran (centre) witnessing the exchange of documents between Lim (in dark jacket) and Muhd Khair at the Ann Joo company plant in Prai, Penang.

THE technical and vocational education training (TVET) should be the first choice among the students to further their studies as the days of the academic studies are over, said Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran.

“Let us take the worst scenario. Ten years ago, parents sent their children to study medicine and now, quite a number are found to be jobless for nearly two years.

“Whereas, students who graduated with TVET are met with jobs waiting for them at the door step.

“These students will be easily absorbed anyway, as the job opportunities and wages are better after completing their studies,” he said.

Kulasegaran said parents were starting to realise that studies in skills fields had more potential unlike academic studies, as the demand for skilled jobs were high and jobs were available instantly upon competition of the courses.

“You would be surprised that many of the TVET students are working in the Middle-East and Singapore, earning lucrative salaries of between RM30,000 and RM50,000 per month based on their skills.

“We are also in the process of discussion with Japan to have tie-ups between their TVET universities and Malaysian colleges.”

Kulasegaran was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Manpower Department (JTM) and Yayasan Jasa Ann Joo.

JTM was represented by its director-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar while Yayasan Jasa Ann Joo was represented by Ann Joo Group executive director Datuk Lawrence Lim Aun Chuan.

The signing ceremony was held at the Ann Joo Steel Berhad, Prai last Thursday.

Kulasegaran said among the key areas of cooperation in the MoU were apprenticeship opportunities and scholarships for TVET students at 32 TVET institutions under JTM, including temporary placements or industry attachment.

He said forging partnerships between public TVET institutions and the industries were pivotal for the development of TVET in the country to enable graduates to meet the needs and demand of the industry and to have first-hand working experiences.

Lim said through Yayasan Jasa Ann Joo, scholarships would be offered to qualified students of the Manpower Department Training Institution (ILJTM), and job opportunities would be offered to them upon completing their studies.

“We have not finalised how many students will be offered the scholarships, as we are in the midst of identifying them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kulasegaran urged more local companies to emulate the efforts by Ann Joo Steel Berhad and Yayasan Jasa Ann Joo in establishing partnerships with TVET training providers, especially among the local small-and-medium enterprises.

He also praised Ann Joo for employing 85% local workers and had given priority to hire local talents.

Source: www.thestar.com.my

Comment: Besides the steel industry, there are currently 2 big chains that are looking for TVET graduates in the respective fields:

1. Retail
2. Service industry – restaurants (Stewarding Operations, F&B etc)

If you think you qualify, kindly email your resume to tvetjob@gmail.com