KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 8,316 trainees have completed various Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) training programmes, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The Deputy Human Resources Minister said that this includes professional certification supported by funding amounting to RM68.44mil from 2021 to Feb 29 of this year.
He then said that the ministry has been offering loans to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students through its Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK).
Abdul Rahman said the students have been participating in short-term skill enhancement training courses and professional certification programmes since 2021.
"These courses are recognised by the Skills Development Department in modular form (micro-credential programmes) and through Recognition of Prior Learning," he said.
"The packaged courses focus on specific skills and provide added value through professional certification," added Abdul Rahman in reply to Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) during the questions time at Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 20).
Manndzri had asked if the PTPK was ready to offer skill training loan assistance to TVET trainees who wish to undergo short-term skill enhancement training and subsequently obtain a Professional Skill Certificate from local professional bodies or institutions abroad.
In his reply, Abdul Rahman said some of the courses with professional certification offered by PTPK include the Cisco Certified Networking Associate course in the Information Technology field.
Other similar courses are the training to be a Certified Welding Supervisor and a three-phase electrical installation and maintenance program with SKM professional certification.
To an additional question, Abdul Rahman said the ministry is pursuing amendments to the Skills Development Fund Act 2004.
"We want to provide a broader definition to these changes, allowing for skill training and recognition under the National Skills Development Act 2006.
The amendments will enable the PTPK to fund programmes beyond SKM. Additionally, we can also get recognition from the Skills Development Department under section 36(a) and (b) of the Act," said Abdul Rahman.
He added that the certifications would be recognised under the Energy Commission Act 2010 (Act 610), Civil Aviation Act 1969 (Act 3) and the Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520).
To another question, Abdul Rahman said that with amendments to these laws and the introduction of new recognitions, increased government allocation to enhance the mentioned programmes is anticipated.
He added that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is chairman of the National TVET Council, emphasises TVET and SKM courses are being merged with certificate-level programmes.
"We are introducing more programmes that combine SKM courses with diploma programmes and even up to the degree level, ensuring that these qualifications are recognised as valuable skills for our nation," he said.
