Learn about the government-funded course seeking to fulfil the shoe industry

Discover the homegrown opportunity of mastering the art of shoemaking

WORDS BY GRACE NARAMOL PHOTOS BY MFMA

IF THE SHOE doesn’t fit, make it yourself.

Ever wanted to take full creative control over your footwear? Ever wished you could learn a new skill with no extra cost to you, and all that’s required is your creativity and dedication? Sound too good to be true? Fortunately, it’s all real.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to develop and sharpen the intricate skill of shoemaking or someone overall passionate about the anatomy of footwear, design, production, retail and wanting to step foot into the local footwear industry. The Selangor Human Resources Development Centre (SHRDC) and Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA) has the programme that checks all of the above.

The Footwear Technology Apprenticeship Program has been cultivating young passionate minds in the local footwear industry for more than a decade. The fully government-funded program teaches the fundamentals of traditional shoemaking with the latest methods and technologies by master shoemakers and designers at the SHRDC Training Centre in Shah Alam.

The programme is open to Malaysians between the ages of 21-40 holding a diploma or degree in art and design, industrial design, fashion or other related fields to join and participate in the full-time programme. The 4-months long dedicated programme conducts classes daily and upon successfully completion of the training, participants will be given certification from the MFMA and will be offered an internship, job opportunities or potential employment post-apprenticeship with an MFMA member company in the respective field as either a footwear designer or merchandiser.

This collaboration between MFMA and SHRDC began in 2005 and is fully funded by the government, with participants

“SHOES TRANSFORM YOUR BODY LANGUAGE AND ATTITUDE. THEY LIFT YOU PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY” — CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

given a monthly allowance of RM400 plus further support from Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK). The programme has successfully produced 15 batches since it’s inception in 2005 and requires a minimum of 15 candidates to get started.

MORE ABOUT SHRDC

The Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) was established on 14th February 1992 and is a talent and skills development centre formed through a partnership between the Malaysian government and the private sector, aimed at improving the human resources pool in the country. Funded from both the Federal and State Government, SHRDC was able to facilitate the purchase of capital-intensive equipment for machinery-based training thus, meeting the manpower training requirement of the industries. Over the years, SHRDC has grown into a fully integrated talent and skills development centre providing not just technical competency-based training but also management and leadership skills training.

ABOUT MFMA

The Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA) was established in 1978. It was primarily formed to look after the interests of the footwear and footwear-related manufacturers. Its membership includes manufacturers of footwear, components, accessories and other supporting industries. It also accommodates other members who are involved in the trading, distribution and sales of footwear through associate membership. The MFMA’s core objectives include improving the quality of Malaysian-made footwear, to increase both brand exposure and markets of Malaysian footwear both locally and internationally as well as to ensure long term growth and sustainability of the local footwear industry. The MFMA also conducts the yearly Malaysian Footwear Design Competition (MFDC) that encourages young talents to join the industry.

Interested in joining the July/August 2020 intake contact: Pn. Juraina / Pn. Faz call at +603 5531 3560 or drop an email at recruitment@shrdc.org.my