IPOH: The typical mindset that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certificates being "second class" is wrong and should be changed, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the state has been trying to convince parents to consider registering their children in TVET courses, which could help them look for jobs in the future.
Saarani said a TVET certificate is not worth any less than a degree, especially for those who has difficulties looking for jobs.
"Those with 10 A's and wants to become a doctor or an engineer, they can proceed (with their choices).
"As for those who are unable to get into universities, why waste time?
"Join a (vocational) college or polytechnic that suits them and get a certificate to look for jobs," he said in a press conference after opening the Karnival Mesra Anak Muda at Stadium Indera Mulia here on Sunday (Sept 21).
"I know people wants RM5,000 (salary) and stay in Kuala Lumpur but what's the point if their pockets are empty," he added.
Saarani said there would be lots of jobs in the state in the future that required skilled workers.
He said these included electric car (EV) factories and automotive hub in Tanjung Malim, Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) and Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC).
"We are not giving any false hopes.
"There will be job opportunities, so find a suitable college and get a certificate," he said.
"We want children of Perakians to fill these jobs," he added.
Separately, Saarani said he hopes that the federal government would consider including the state's request to build a highway connecting Tanjung Malim and Lumut in Budget 2026.
He said with the production of EV expected to be intensified in the coming years, there is a need for a highway to allow the cars to be transported to the port in Lumut to be exported.
"When the EV factories are up and running, the cars will be exported, so where do we go?
"Penang Port is far while Port Klang is congested," he said, adding that the highway should be a priority.
