Remove TVET stigma to create skilled workforce for nation’s devt — Manyin

KUCHING: The stigma surrounding Technical and Vocational Education and Training ( TVET) ought to be removed as it now plays a significant role in providing skilled workforce who contributes towards the development of the country.

Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin said although TVET often plays second fiddle to academic education, the world has changed as industries are now placing more emphasis on skills training.

“A lot of those who chose vocational education in other countries are actually receiving better remuneration than those with academic qualification such as engineers, for instance.

“Unfortunately, Sarawak has not reached that level and that is why we are trying to move past this stigma and promote TVET so that students who choose to go for vocational education will not feel like they are any less intelligent or capable than those who chose the academic pathway,” he told a press conference.

Manyin had earlier witnessed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange between Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS) and 33 secondary schools from Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions at PPKS Auditorium, here on Wednesday.

According to him, in countries such as Germany, Australia or England, the salary scale between an engineer and a skilled worker is “not that big of a difference”.

“That is why a lot of people are attracted by the courses offered in polytechnic and vocational schools. In fact, some of these skilled workers are paid even more than those with academic qualification,” he remarked.

Manyin also agreed with the recent statement by TVET Empowerment Committee chairperson Nurul Izzah Anwar that TVET must be reformed to be on par or even better than first degree or master degree qualifications.

“But this should not just be in terms of being at the same level with degree courses but salary wise, the structure must also change,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, PPKS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain said TVET has gained increasing importance as governments, industries and TVET providers strive to develop the workforce to support numerous development initiatives.

“The current discourse has often centered on the development of a competent workforce, in particular, facilitating students’ seamless transition from the classroom to the world of work.

“In this respect, I am pleased to share that PPKS is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research to transform TVET in Sarawak.”

On the signing of the MoU, Abdul Aziz said this affirmed their mutual commitment to enhance the vibrant canvas of teaching and learning at the secondary schools.

“Under the School Adoption Programme, PPKS will work closely with the secondary schools and the parent-teacher associations to organise various activities for the teachers and students such as workshops on teaching and learning, leadership and skill camps, motivational workshops, and ICT-related workshops.

“With the ever-increasing importance of Industry 4.0 and the digital economy, we would be happy to conduct awareness programmes for the benefit of the school management, counselors, teachers and students.”

In facilitating the programme, he pointed out that PPKS will commit resources from its talent pool and share best practices in Industrial Education and Training.

Also present were PPKS executive director Hallman Sabri and PPKS Management Council secretary Dato Maznah Dasmi.