FIRMS ROPED IN TO FIX TVET TALENT MISMATCH

They will be allowed to make procurements when handling programmes in related states, says PM

THE government will address the issue of talent mismatch in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.

To do this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said local corporations would be allowed to make procurements when handling TVET programmes in related states.

“This is part of the plan (to address the issue).

“The cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will identify some of these private companies to address this mismatch issue, or (to identify) industries that do not require practical training.

“For example, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) will be handling TVET in Pengerang, Johor, to use their expertise in training the students in meeting the industry’s expectations.

“This is a big decision where we have asked for immediate action to be taken.

“We will explain further details in the 2023 Budget, which will be tabled on Feb 24,” Anwar said after the cabinet meeting yesterday.

He added that DRB-Hicom Bhd, for example, would take over a programme in Pekan, Pahang, to meet the automotive industry’s needs.

Berjaya Corporation Bhd would handle programmes in the hotel and tourism industry, and Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary’s companies would handle the services industry.

“The TVET allocation was RM6.7 billion during the 2023 Budget and it involves the Higher Education, Education and Human Resources Ministries.

“It also involves several agencies, 500 public skills training institutions (ILKA) and 250,000 trainees and students.

“Hence, I propose that immediate action be taken to address the talent mismatch,” he said.

Last October, the government targeted 55 per cent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers to continue their studies in TVET.

Former finance minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said RM6.7 billion would be allocated to seven related ministries to carry out initiatives through the TVET Council.

FILE PIC Visitors at a technical and vocational education and training exhibition in Shah Alam, Selangor, last year. A total of RM6.7 billion was allocated during the 2023 Budget last year.