KAJANG: Secondary school students in selected institutions can sign up for the National Dual Training System (NDTS or SLDN in Malay) after PMR (Penilaian Menengah Rendah).“The enrolment of students in the programme is expected to reach 15,000 by next year,” said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassinat SM Vokasional Kajang yesterday.Previously, secondary school students who were interested in vocational training would have to wait until after their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).Muhyiddin added that the programme comprised a 70% practical component with host companies and 30% training at the educational institutions.

Currently, it is only available at three vocational institutions located here, in Sungai Buloh and Batu Pahat.

The programme will be extended to all 79 vocational colleges in stages by next year.

The SLDN, which is a collaborative programme with the Human Resources Ministry, will see courses offered in up to 53 fields.

“I believe SLDN will become a preferred choice in the future, with more multinational companies and industries taking part,” said Muhyiddin after the launch of the programme and the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Human Resources Ministry.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the initiative was in line with the 10th Malaysia Plan and was crucial if the country were to produce highly-skilled workers.

Source: The Star Online: 3rd October 2012