Montfort introduces Oil Palm Plantation Conductorship course for youths
KOTA KINABALU: Montfort Youth Training Centre (MYTC) will be introducing a new skill training course for youth with the introduction of its pilot Oil Palm Plantation Conductorship course.
This course, which will commence in July, is carried out in partnership with the Malaysian Estate Owners Association (MEOA) said Joseph Tek, a member of MYTC Board of Governors.
Currently, MYTC conducts 4 skills training courses under its 2-year residential 4 care programmes, namely, motor mechanic, shielded metal arc welding, refrigeration and airconditioning mechanic and furniture making.
The introduction of the Oil Palm Plantation Conductorship will be its fifth (5 month) skills training programme.
“MYTC will roll out this new course this coming July 2019 at its campus in Kinarut near Kota Kinabalu. MEOA and its members, including their affiliate from Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SAPPOA), will provide the initial leadership, knowledge sharing, along with a start-up funding of around RM200,000. This is part of the association’s social responsibility contribution towards human resource development. Other companies, such as lJM Plantations Berhad and Eurostar Tractors, will also be rendering local technical and training support,” said Tek, who is also IJM Plantations Berhad’s CEO.
In reaching out to the Youthin-Need, it is significant to note that in 2018, Sabah and Sarawak have a total of 3.1 million hectares of oil palm planted area and covers over 53 percent of total oil palm planted area in Malaysia, he said.
“There is a dire requirement for quality and skilled local human resource for this sector which has contributed significantly to the annual GDP.
The oil palm commodity sector is poised to be relevant and sustainable, delivering higher productivity while demonstrating its sustainability aspects.
“In this sector, there are many employment opportunities throughout its supply chain, ranging from working in the upstream sector involving estates and mills to the downstream activities, and also the spin-off service providers. In this context, the Youth-inNeed should not be left out,” said Tek at a press conference on Wednesday.
The objective of embarking into the above new skill course is part of MYTC’s initiative to respond to market demand for trained and skilled local manpower for the oil palm plantation industry, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, he pointed out.
The course, Tek said, aims to generate skilled workforce who can contribute to the pursuit and improvement of best practices in the oil palm industry, adding that MYTC also aims to forge partnerships with other relevant industry stakeholders through sharing of expertise and knowledge, besides welcoming sponsorship and monetary contribution.
The plantation course is also very relevant as many of the less privileged youth, especially from the rural interior areas in Sabah and Sarawak, are very likely to be exposed to the grassroots agricultural activities, he opined.
“With their acquired new skills and know how, the youth can be gainfully employed in the many plantation companies throughout Malaysia and/or returning to their homes to be future entrepreneurs and good stewards of their lands,” he stressed.
The MYTC plantation conductorship course emphasises on both knowledge and practical skills needed in the field of supervision in plantation.
Trainees will learn supervisory role, safety practices, distribution of materials to the fields, suitability of correct equipment and machinery to be used; appropriate supervision of workers to ensure production standards are achieved, provide work schedule and generate daily reports and progress of works.
In addition, basic motor vehicle mechanics and shielded metal arc welding will also be incorporated for them for an appreciation of the machineries and workshop practices in plantation.
To fortify the coursework, trainees will also undergo field work training as well as industry practical attachment training in the plantation. Last but not least, the trainees will also be nurtured in basic communication in the English language, arithmetic and computer knowledge over the two years programme.
Graduating trainees from the course can apply for Plantation Field Conductor posts. Potential and opportunities to be promoted and progress beyond staff to executive level are possible.
Eligible youth are encouraged to apply, and the aspiring youth must be between 18 to 20 years with priority accorded to those who are orphaned, from poor and large families, particularly from the rural and interiors areas of Sabah and Sarawak.
SPM leavers, as well as youths who did not complete their formal primary and secondary school education but are interested in the course are also encouraged to apply. Interested youth are to contact MYTC at 088-755811 or 088-755815; or browse MYTC website at www.montfortsabah. org for more information and to submit their application forms accordingly.
The two-year course which covers full training and boarding will be provided free for eligible and selected trainees. However, parents/ guardian/sponsors are encouraged to contribute a minimum monthly sum towards the trainees’ food subsidy based on their affordability.
Also present during the press conference were MYTC chairman, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Frederic Mah and other members of the Board of Governors.