TVET students to get training with job guarantees

The Malaysian government plans to launch an industrial training program with job guarantees for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. The initiative aims to enhance TVET students' employability by providing them with job opportunities while receiving training at Advanced Technology Training Centres (ADTEC).

The program will facilitate student exchanges between ADTEC and partner institutions, such as Singapore's Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Companies needing specific skills from graduates will offer temporary jobs during their training, with permanent positions and salaries based on acquired skills upon completion.

Ramanan refuted the notion that TVET graduates face difficulties in finding employment, citing data that showed an employability rate of 98 percent, up from 95.5 percent the previous year. The minister emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation with industries to ensure training remains relevant to labor market demands. In August, the ministry announced plans to establish student exchanges between ADTEC and ITE Singapore, along with knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices in TVET.

Under the proposed program, graduates and semi-skilled workers would receive a starting basic salary of RM2,500 per month, as outlined in the 2027 Budget. The ministry is currently developing Starting Basic Salary Guidelines based on job categories under the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations. Ramanan stressed that workers should be assessed fairly based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities rather than their region or locality, rejecting the idea of paying different salaries based on geographical differences.