ADI equips workers with industry-ready skills - HR Ministry

The Academy in Industry (ADI) programme in Malaysia is expanding, with 1,366 companies, including 677 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), participating. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan highlighted that ADI's work-based learning approach enables participants to acquire practical skills relevant to industry requirements.

This method combines classroom instruction with hands-on workplace training, allowing individuals to become familiar with actual company technology, systems, and processes. Participants gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, which helps employers reduce the adjustment period for new hires, boost productivity earlier, and minimize the need for additional training post-recruitment.

Khairul explained that ADI's train-and-place approach has improved workforce readiness by developing and implementing training programs in collaboration with industries based on the National Occupational Skills Standard. The programme offers two main approaches: ADI Apprenticeship and ADI Employment. Under the Apprenticeship model, jobseekers, including vulnerable groups, receive 20 to 30 percent of their training in classrooms and the remaining 70 to 80 percent at participating companies.

The government provides a RM1,000 incentive per apprentice, covering a training allowance, training centers, and participating companies. The Employment program targets new and existing workers aged 18 and above, allowing them to earn the minimum wage while undergoing training at their workplace. Participants receive a RM2,500 incentive from the government, with companies receiving RM700 per trained participant, and training centers getting RM900.

Khairul noted that companies involved in ADI have reported benefits, such as increased productivity due to a more skilled workforce and reduced recruitment and training costs. Additionally, the programme contributes to higher participant absorption as permanent employees and lower turnover as workers become familiar with company operations.

The government plans to further strengthen ADI through financial incentives, training assistance, simplified participation processes, and enhanced collaboration with industry associations and SMEs. By fostering cooperation and resource sharing between companies and training providers, the initiative aims to ease the burden on SMEs while ensuring sustainable development of skilled workers.