INDUSTRY input is a must if technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes want to provide top-notch courses, says Azmir Mohd Yunus.
The National TVET Council (MTVET), said its TVET secretariat head, actively encourages institutes to work closely with industries.
This, he told StarEdu, is to ensure what students learn matches industry needs. It also helps facilitate talent recruitment as certain institutions cater to specific industries, he added.
The government, he shared, is currently focused on high growth, high value sectors such as electric vehicles, cybersecurity, semiconductors, farming automation and renewable energy.
“The current geopolitical uncertainties have led to oil supply problems and we’ve realised now how crucial it is to have a secure energy supply,” he said, highlighting the importance of the renewable energy sector.
As to where technical and vocational talent fit into these industries, Azmir said while companies need “the brains and the creatives”, these workers will not be needed in large numbers.
“The biggest demand will be for technicians and skilled workers,” he said, adding that all institutions under MTVET use a curricula aligned to the National Occupational Skills Standards created by the Human Resources Ministry skills development department.
“These standards are developed by real-world practitioners so TVET talents are always updated when it comes to the latest industry requirements and technology,” he said.
Among the latest teaching tools being employed are simulators.
“We can’t let students operate certain machines and equipment as these require a specific degree of competency.
“But simulators can help students familiarise themselves with real world situations which can help minimise errors at their future workplace,” he explained.
Stressing that technology is a crucial component in TVET, he said even the most mundane of tasks, like servicing an air conditioner, involves some kind of innovation.
“There are components inside electrical appliances and someone servicing it must know the system, mechanics involved and how it works,” he said.
Additionally, Azmir said an advantage of undergoing TVET in any of the institutes under the council is that the course is highly subsidised by the government.
Some institutions also provide students with allowances and meals.
Moving forward, TVET needs to embrace advanced innovations to support emerging industries, new foreign businesses and local companies that are moving towards technology-intensive operations.
On what TVET graduates can expect to earn, Azmir said salaries vary depending on the industry.
“There is a wage guide but certain industries like oil and gas, and aviation, tend to offer better remuneration packages.
“Jobs that require talents to be certified also pay more. Electricians or chargemen, for example, must possess a certificate from the Energy Commission,” he said, adding that those with a Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) 3 certificate can earn a starting salary of RM2,000 while those with additional certificates or higher qualifications like a diploma or degree, can earn more.
“Those with technical skills, even if fully employed, can still freelance to earn extra,” he offered.
