‘TVET helps us excel in life’

Learning new skills: R. Devanesan conducting a class in the Automotive Technology and Transportation Engineering lab at the New Era Institute of Vocational and Continuing Education in Taman Kajang Sentral. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Graduates who are trained under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses have uplift themselves with their acquired skill.

Despite not having excelled academically, getting into TVET has allowed them to be a professional in their own preferred field that also guaranteed their livelihood.

Muhammad Arsyad, 22, who graduated with a Diploma in Automotive Engineering two years ago, said he felt more confident and independent with his skills and knowledge in repairing cars.

“I manage to get a job at a car service centre within three months after graduation. My starting basic pay was RM1,500.

“Together with overtime, I could earn up to RM1,900 a month. The company also pay us bonuses.

“Recently, I joined a new electric car company with a starting pay of RM2,100,” he said in an interview.

Muhammad said he was not worried about not getting a job as there were demands by automotive companies.

Reeta Hamid, 24, who graduated with a Diploma in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts - Patisserie, said it was the best decision she made for herself after her below-average SPM results.

“I wasn’t good academically but it was not the end of the road. Since I love baking from young, I did not hesitate and took up the course,” she said.

Having worked at several established hotels’ pastry kitchens, Reeta shared that her starting pay at first was only RM1,600.

“However, as I learned and gained more experience, I’m now a chief baker with RM3,500 basic pay,” she said, adding that she also runs a home bakery online offering artisan cakes.

Energy services and solutions provider Sapura Energy Berhad chief people officer Puspa Hanita Aziz said TVET provided alternatives for those not into conventional education to get a professional career.

“TVET programmes are an important stepping stone for youths who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning.

“The specialisation that TVET programmes offer will enable these students to pivot towards specialised jobs that pay very well,” she said, adding that half of her company’s workforce were TVET graduates with above-average living wage.

The demand for TVET graduates would grow as the industries expand, she said.