Short-term courses help youths reskill themselves

KUALA LUMPUR: Never having considered missing out on school as a disadvantage, a young man is determined to change his destiny by participating in the MyFuture Youth Plus (MFYP) short-term courses organised by the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Iqmal Hakim Abdullah, 19, from Rembau, Negri Sembilan, completed an automotive course on handling excavation machinery at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKTBN) in Chembong, Rembau, and described it as the best opportunity for him to pursue his interest in the field.

“I only studied until Form Four, and now I work as an operator at Nestle Rembau. I found out about this programme through WhatsApp. I applied for it and was accepted.

“I’ve always been interested in machinery since childhood. I am gathering information to continue my studies in this field.

“The officers in IKTBN gave me some suggestions on educational channels that I can try,” he said at the Meet & Greet session of MFYP Programme participants at the Parliament building yesterday.

Iqmal Hakim is among 96 youths who have undergone training since the programme began on April 1, and about 700 people are expected to benefit from it until July.

A.N. Tamotaran Nair from Bandar Kinrara, Puchong said the course helped him gain more insight into air-conditioning service as a profession.

“It’s hard to get work after school. I just want to be more independent and help change the fate of my family. And with this course, I’m now more confident,” said the 18-yearold who completed the course at IKTBN, Sepang.

MFYP is a pilot project that offers opportunities and alternatives to youths without an SPM certificate or school dropouts.

It aims to maximise the potential of youths. — Bernama