Vocational schools provide youths opportunities to acquire skills, such as hair styling and also small business opportunities. — Bernama pic

IPOH, Nov 25 — Lack of information and inadequate career guidance have contributed to the decline of non-academically inclined secondary students taking up vocational courses.

Kalaiarasan Pandian, 19, from Kampar, said he wasn’t aware of TVET programmes when he chose to stop schooling after Form Three.

“I was not aware of TVET courses and even my teachers did not suggest I take up vocational training.

“They only persuaded me to complete my studies until Form Five,” he told Malay Mail recently.

He also said he did not know where the TVET institutions were, and this hampered the process of applying for courses offered.

Kalaiarasan, now employed as a motorcycle mechanic, said he quit studying as his academic results were not up to mark and his parents could not provide financial support to further his studies.

On Monday, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan said only seven per cent of students across the country took up TVET after Form Three.

He also said the ministry took various steps to increase rural students’ enrolment in vocational colleges.

The measures were gaining popularity following broadcasts over radio channels, newspaper advertisements and collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

Teenager, Veenod Nathan,18, from Pusing, Perak, said he did not know about the TVET programme as there wasn’t much promotion on it.

“I’m not aware of  TVET courses and the vocational schools that I know are from my home.

“I quit school two years ago as I wasn’t performing well in studies and at the same time my father met with a bad accident.

“He could not go to work and I have to support my family by working,” he said.

Veenod who is working as a labourer in a warehouse said students who fared poorly in their studies might go for vocational courses if proper guidance were given to them.

Khoo See Nee, 28, who is also a school drop-out, lamented that vocational training such as TVET was not available during her schooling days.

“If I had this option back then, I would definitely have taken up vocational training,” she said.

Khoo said she did not pursue any other vocational education after coming out of school as her guardians could not support her.

Another dropout, who wished to be only known as Derrick, said he felt he had no purpose in life after gaining his SPM last year.

“I did not know what to do and I ended doing various jobs merely to pass time,” the 19-year-old said.

A relative then introduced Derrick to vocational studies.

Currently undergoing training to repair air conditioners and refrigerators in Kuala Lumpur, Derrick took a loan from Kojadi to subsidise the RM20,000 needed for the course.

Meanwhile, MCA Youth vocational education bureau committee member Jimmy Loh blamed parents and students for the lack of interest in vocational training.

“Parents prefer their children to follow the traditional path which can land them a degree but they are not aware that you can also earn a degree from vocational courses,” he said.

Students, he said, were not bothered to seek out information about vocational courses.

Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com

Comments:

Well, not sure whether the students are internet savvy or not, if they are, hope they are able to see this article & here’s the directory of all the JPK Accredited Centres offering TVET programs in Malaysia, private & public.

As for funding, besides Kojadi (refer below), there are other avenues like
1) PTPK (Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran),
2) SOCSO (children with parents that is)
a) Pencen ilat for contributors that is permanently disabled
b) Pencen penakat for widows
3) Respective state education funds

KOJADI

INTEREST CHARGES

• Interest will be charged to the applicant’s loan account immediately after the disbursement of the loan.
• The interest rate for the loan will be as follows :

For existing member of KOJADI with minumum 5 years membership:

1st year (Upon First release of loan) – 5.8% (on a monthly rest and reducing balance basis)

2nd year onwards until full settlement – 6.8% (on a monthly rest and reducing blance basis)

5.8% ~ 6.8% equivalent to 4.5% flat rate

For new member:

1st year (Upon First release of loan) – 6.8% (on a monthly rest and reducing balance basis)

2nd year onwards until full settlement – 7.8% (on a monthly rest and reducing blance basis)

6.8% ~ 7.8% equivalent to 5.8% flat rate

SERVICE OF LOAN INTEREST

Under specified circumstances, loan borrower is required to service loan interest during study period. The monthly interest is between RM100-RM300 depending on the loan amount applied for based the following table :-

REPAYMENT OF LOAN

The founding objective of KOJADI is to pool the resources among its members for mutual benefits. Prompt repayment of the loan will enable KOJADI to give similar financial aid to other members for further study.

The repayment of the loan will begin three (3) or six (6) months after graduation and the maximum repayment period shall not exceed 8 years.Depending on the amount of loan and the type of the loan, repayment will be as follows:

• 1st year – RM200 or RM300 per month
• 2nd year – RM300 or RM400 per month
• 3rd year – RM400 or RM500 & above perm onth until full settlement
• OR equal monthly instalments until full settlement.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The above particulars are subject to change. For further information, please call at out office at

Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Berhad (KOJADI)
11th Floor, Wisma MCA,
163 Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur. Road Map
Tel : 03 – 2161 6499 (Membership and Loan Department)
Fax : 03 – 2162 1413

E-mail :
For Membership related enquiries : member@kojadi.com.my
For Education Loan application related enquiries : loan@kojadi.com.my