SUNGAI BULOH: Some 60% of the 6,851 retired armed forces veterans who completed transitional training programmes under the Ex-Serviceman Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) last year have successfully secured careers, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
While the numbers were encouraging, the Defence Minister said there was a need to better understand why there were those in the programme who had yet to begin careers upon retiring from the armed forces.
“We need to pay serious attention to understand why 40% are still looking for jobs. This means there is still room for improvement that we have to achieve,” he said in his speech at an awards ceremony handing out Malaysian Skills Diploma certificates to some 209 recipients.
They comprised both active servicemen and veterans.
The diplomas are awarded through the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) programme.
A total of 338 retiring servicemen meanwhile received transitional training programme certificates at the same ceremony.
Speaking more on academic qualifications, Khaled said Perhebat was an institution formed to equip retiring servicemen with academic credentials for careers after their military service.
“I have also asked Perhebat to improve their efforts and strengthen existing programmes while also carrying out training that meets current industry needs,” he said.
Khaled said the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces had the responsibility of developing an ecosystem that ensured veterans had the relevant work training and exposure.
“This allows retiring servicemen to return to society with the right mindset and the needed skill set.
“Both these elements will enable veterans to have a successful career after their service,” he said.
