BERNAMA – Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes should not be considered a ‘dead end’ for individuals who wish to develop their careers to a higher level. Rather they open opportunities for those seeking to improve their living standards.
The skills acquired in the technical field are not just about repairing car engines but also play an important role in producing a skilled workforce that indirectly drives the Malaysia’s economy.
Bermaz Auto Berhad (B Auto) Group Head of After-sales Datuk Shamsuddin Amran said that through TVET, the government is now on the right track to empowering TVET to align with the industry’s demands and needs.
He said it was implemented through the National Dual Training System (NDTS), an initiative under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).
The TVET Pilihan Kerjaya Utama Group chairman said that with the implementation of NDTS 14 years ago, the company no longer needed to rely on foreign skilled workers.
Through the NDTS programme, BermazAuto Training School has been able to produce a skilled workforce in three fields, namely Mechatronic, Body and Paint, and Mechanics.
“We have produced more than 1,000 technicians and 90 per cent of the (B Auto) workforce is from the NDST programme. With the skills acquired, they not only work as technicians, but some have the opportunity to work as engineers, assistant managers and even managers.
“I see the syllabus or curriculum in NDTS is excellent and it is also confirmed by our principals such as Mazda Corporation Japan and Xpeng.
“I am also pleased to continue this NDTS programme with the support of KESUMA,” he told Bernama when met recently.
Shamsuddin said the success of the NDTS programme refutes the perception that TVET is only for the 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) job sector.
“On the contrary, if a person is committed, he/she has the opportunity to reach the highest level in the management of a company,” he said.
Shamsuddin said being one of those who ventured into TVET by specialising in automotive immediately after finishing fifth form in 1984, he is among the top management of the company.
As such, he hopes to see more youths venture into TVET, in line with the government’s efforts to make it a major national agenda, having allocated MYR7.5 billion for TVET in the 2025 Budget.
“I see this as a sign of the government’s concern in (empowering) TVET,” he added.
