PKPB secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said the current TVET
programmes lagged far behind. — Reuters pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — The technical and vocational education training
(TVET) programme requires an urgent update to arm graduates with the required
skills for employment, the National Association of Skilled Workers (PKPB) said
today.
Its secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan, in responding to a survey
that found government vocational programme undervalued both by students and
parents, said the current TVET programmes lagged far behind.
“Students are studying ‘history in technology’ instead of the latest
technology,” he said in a statement.
“This is because the training given at vocational institutions (ILK) are
still based on old technology.”
Yesterday, Khazanah Research Institute released its school-to-work
transition survey (SWTS) that found TVET to be undervalued despite the strong
demand for vocational and technical graduates both in the private and public
sectors.
Data gathered by the survey showed a prevalent misconception about TVET
being an inferior educational pathway, and that its graduates continue to be
underpaid even in the civil service, data that strongly pointed to disconnect
policies.
PKPB, on the other hand, said the perception that TVET graduates get
quick employment is inaccurate.
Mohammad said TVET graduates are forced to compete for skilled jobs with
upskilled migrant workers, which drives salaries lower.
“They are also affected by the influx of migrant workers,” he said.
“In the end, their pay is ultimately hurt,” he added.
The SWTS, held between late 2017 to earlier this year, polled over
27,000 students, job seekers, young workers and employers.
Source: www.malaymail.com
