Some 44 companies that provided training to the first cohort of students in the HNTec Construction and Draughting (Dual TVET) programme received appreciation certificates in a ceremony at the Ministry of Development’s (MoD) Betabur Hall yesterday.
HNTec Construction and Draughting (Dual TVET) is a programme initiated by Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC) in Construction and in collaboration with Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) to meet the demands of construction industry and increase the skills of locals in the industry.
Students are trained to develop their skills through institution-based training and on-the-job training by construction companies. The programme develops the students’ skills through exposure and experience in the construction industry in preparation for future employment.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid presented the certificates.
Co-chair of MISC Construction Ir Bahrin bin Haji Mohammad said, “Our local institutions are producing around 500 graduates with construction backgrounds every year.
“The industry has a role to play in making sure these graduates are ready for the professional world, which is getting tougher and more challenging every year.
“Not only do we need to focus on their technical skills, we have to also work on their soft skills.”
The Dual TVET programme began in July 2021 and ended in June 2023. Students underwent industrial placements while also attending lectures at school. MISC Construction is in talks with IBTE to have the Dual TVET students spend more time on placements getting hands-on experience than at school, increasing from 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the two-year programme in IBTE.
Some 95 students, mostly O-Level and NTec graduates, were selected for the programme.
Permanent Secretary (Infrastructure, Housing and Professional) at the MoD Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria, as Co-Chair of MISC Construction was also present. – Azlan Othman
