TVET not a "dead end" to career development

Programmes are not the ultimate dead-end point for those seeking career advancement.

In reality, they mainly provide openings for people who are looking forward to upgrading their way of life.

Acquiring technical skills is not limited to merely fixing car engines but also contributes significantly to the development of a skilled workforce which has a profound impact on driving the nation's economy forward.

Bermaz Auto Berhad's Group Head of After-sales Datuk Shamsuddin Amran pointed out that with the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the government is now moving in the right direction to empower TVET to better meet the industry's needs and requirements.

He stated that this initiative was enforced via the National Dual Training System (NDTS), a programme under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA),

The chairman of Pilihan Kerjaya Utama Group said that since the NDTS was introduced 14 years ago, they did not need to hire foreign skilled workers anymore.

The BermazAuto Training School has successfully produced a skilled workforce through its NDTS programme in the areas of Mechatronic, Body and Paint, and Mechanics.

We have successfully trained over 1,000 skilled technicians under the National Dual Training System (NDST) programme, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of our workforce at B Auto. The expertise acquired through this programme has enabled some of our trainees to not only excel as skilled technicians, but also take on more senior roles such as engineers, assistant managers, and even senior management positions.

I thoroughly appreciate the syllabus or curriculum in NDTS which is indeed impressive, and it is almost universally acknowledged as excellent by our esteemed partners, including Mazda Corporation Japan and Xpeng.

"I am delighted to continue this National Digital Transformation Scheme with the backing of KESUMA," he stated during a recent meeting with Bernama.

Shamsuddin pointed out that the achievements of the National Dual Training System (NDTS) programme clearly contradict the notion that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are limited to jobs that are typically considered challenging, dirty or hazardous.

"Conversely, if one is dedicated, they can rise to the highest echelons of a company's management," he said.

Shamsuddin, who ventured into TVET by specializing in automotive right after completing his Form Five in 1984, has risen to the top management of the company.

As a result, he looks forward to seeing more young people choosing to pursue TVET, which aligns with the government's national goal, with a RM7.5 billion allocation in the 2025 Budget towards this end.

"This shows the government's seriousness in supporting TVET," he added.

Meanwhile, Shamsuddin recognised the difficulties in maintaining the program, particularly since some TVET institutions choose not to implement the NDTS due to high costs. Such expenses include hiring qualified teachers and procuring technical training facilities that are in line with advancements in relevant fields.

The automotive industry has transformed notably, with its focus no longer solely based on conventional engine systems.

He recognised the substantial difficulties encountered by the industry in obtaining the necessary equipment, a problem also encountered by TVET centres in Malaysia, which is largely due to its high cost.

In fact, despite these challenges, Malaysia has one of the finest Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in the region, boasts Shamsuddin.

Graduates of these programmes have high job prospects, particularly overseas in nations such as Japan and Saudi Arabia, he mentioned, noting that the NDTS programme is a job market-driven training method carried out in collaboration between corporate entities and educational institutions.

The training process happens in two separate environments through the system, encompassing 70 to 80 per cent of activities at the actual workplace (the company), which mainly focuses on acquiring practical skills, and 20 to 30 per cent of activities at the training centre, which offers theoretical knowledge acquisition.

R. Asswin, a 19-year-old Mechatronics apprentice at BermazAuto Training School, expressed that TVET provides a more enjoyable and interactive learning process as it combines both practical and theoretical approaches.

Asswin, who has always been fascinated by automation, chose Mechatronics as his field of study, and he intends to pursue further education before joining the workforce to broaden his knowledge and skills in this area.

Nuraleeya Natasha Hamirul Mizam, a 19-year-old apprentice in the Body and Paint programme, learns real-life industry methods, such as precise techniques for car body restoration and painting procedures.

Hishamuddin Md Ali Zien, 20 tahun untuk seseorang yang telah menjalani peregangan dari BermazAuto Training School selama tiga tahun, berkata pengetahuan yang diperolehi selama pelatihan membolehkan beliau menjadi instruktur di pusat latihan.

I started my studies in 2021, and during my time here, there was a clear focus on maintaining a strong work ethic. Every assignment had to be done systematically and with great attention to detail.

"The three years of study have made me see things differently about TVET by giving me valuable skills and knowledge that are useful in a working environment," he said.