Chinese youths encouraged to apply for ILP courses
MIRI: The Human Resources Department has introduced Skills Aptitude Test ( Ujian Kecenderungan Kemahiran – UKK) for those lacking in the academics to be trained at Industrial Training Institutes ( ILPs).
School-leavers, especially those from Chinese independent schools, are encouraged to apply in order to produce more skilled labour force in Malaysia.
A political secretary to Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran, Cheong Chee Khing, told a press conference yesterday that the aptitude test was meant to let those who did not meet the ILP minimum requirement (in SPM or UEC examinations) to be able to take skills courses at ILPs.
“The Pakatan Harapan ( PH) government strives to nurture more young talents and skilled labour among Malaysians, because we believe that given the opportunity, they would shine and contribute to the country’s development.
“We are also concerned about low enrolment in ILPs among Chinese students, and that those who have graduated from Chinese independent schools with UEC examination should apply for ILP courses.
“Though we cannot stop them from pursuing their dreams overseas, we are hoping that with such opportunity available at home, they could be encouraged to seek knowledge at home so that we can grow together as a nation,” said Cheong after a meeting with students and teachers of SM Pei Min at ILP here yesterday.
Senator Ling Sie Kiong, ILP Miri’s representatives and students of SM Pei Min were among those present at the meeting.
ILPs offer 55 certificate and Diploma programmes to SPM graduates and industrial workers. The minimum requirement for enrolment is at least an SPM, with credit in Mathematics, History and Bahasa Malaysia.
“For those interested to enrol in ILPs but do not fulfil the minimum requirement, they are encouraged to undergo the Skills Aptitude Test, and those who pass the test will be offered any of the 18 selected programmes,” said Cheong.
The Skills Aptitude Test includes Literacy Assessment ( Read and Write), Numeracy Assessment ( Counting), Interest Tendency Assessment and Interview.
The test is only applicable to candidates who are applying into ILPs via ‘walk-in’. The candidates must be 17 years old and above and have completed secondary school education (Form 5).
This programme will be effective at the next intake in January next year.