Industry-ready training for grads

Developing skills: The trainees posing for a group photo with VIPs after the launch.

A TRAINING programme was launched recently to enhance employability and reduce unemployment among Malaysian graduates.

Involving 450 trainees, the programme – Sime Darby Skim Latihan 1Malaysia (SL1M) 2015 – was launched by multinational company Sime Darby Bhd.

Of that number, 250 are attending a four-week classroom training programme while the remaining 200 are given on-the-job training at various departments across the group’s diverse business divisions.

The multinational company has been a supporter of SL1M since the Government-led initiative was first introduced in 2011.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, who officiated the event, commended the company for its effort.

“The SL1M programme is a major public-private initiative to improve graduates’ employability and further develop human capital.

“We are grateful to Sime Darby, as a high-performing organisation and preferred employer, for leading the way and living up to its reputation as an exemplary corporate citizen,” he said.

Wahid later engaged the trainees in a forum, exchanging views on the current economic situation and work challenges that await them.

During the launch, Sime Darby president and group chief executive Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh said that 1,595 trainees had benefited from the programme.

About 80% of them has successfully secured employment, either with the company or other organisations, even before completing the programme itself.

The 12-month programme comprises four weeks of classroom training, where trainees undergo personal and leadership skill development, which prepares them for life in an actual business environment.

“During the training, we aim to instil Sime Darby’s core values of integrity, respect and responsibility, excellence and enterprise through the training modules for the participants with the hope that it will benefit them personally in their future employment,” said Bakke.

Another 11 months of training will involve job placements, which provide opportunities for the trainees to work alongside industry specialists and experts.

Bakke added that the programme provides an enriching and holistic learning experience to the trainees.

“By the end of the programme, the trainees would have developed personal mastery, learnt the company’s best work practices and gained essential skills and experience that may provide them better career prospects to compete in the increasingly challenging employment market,” he said.

Mohd Fuad Mohd Ismail is one of the programme’s many success stories.

He was absorbed by the company upon completion of his training and has since been promoted to a senior executive in Sime Darby’s Group Procurement Unit.

“The programme sets a strong foundation for me to succeed in my career and enables me to contribute positively towards becoming a high performer.

“It was a privilege to be part of the programme and I want to grow further with the organisation,” said Mohd Fuad.

Mohamad Azizul Mohd Yusof, who is among the participants of this year’s programme, said: “Although I am just at the beginning of the programme, I can see its value.

“So far, I have been exposed to modules such as business acumen, leadership, creative and analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, communications and teamwork.

“I am confident that it will provide me with the knowledge and skills required to become an asset to any organisation I work with.”

TalentCorp Malaysia chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican noted that the well-structured programme is highly sought after by university graduates, especially in providing exposure to Sime Darby’s diverse businesses and different career opportunities.

“International accolades won by Sime Darby in the leadership and talent development space, such as from Aon Hewitt for Global Top Companies by Leaders, are a testament to Sime Darby’s strong commitment in growing talent,” said Johan.