Tvet Opens Up Job Opportunities For Low-income Youths
By Nurhafizah Tan
KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- While most of his peers were still waiting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results or planning to further their studies at higher learning institutions, Muhammad Hafuza Aris made a different decision.
Four years ago, after completing his SPM, he chose to join a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme in the automotive field offered by Carsome Academy, a skills training academy, with the hope of quickly securing a permanent job and supporting his family.
“I’ve always been interested in the automotive field, so when I found out there was a course that only takes nine months to complete and only requires a minimum (PT3) qualification, I didn’t want to waste time and applied right away.
“My goal was to start working as soon as possible to support and take care of my family, but first I needed to gain knowledge,” he told Bernama.
The 22-year-old youth’s inclination towards hands-on, skill-based work was nurtured from a young age, partly influenced by his father who operated a small vehicle repair workshop at home.
Muhammad Hafuza believes that mastering technical skills is essential for becoming self-reliant as it not only opens up employment opportunities but also serves as a foundation for sustaining oneself, especially during uncertain economic times.
Now working as a vehicle inspector at a used car buying and selling platform, he sees technical training as a way to build discipline, strong character and a sense of responsibility and competitiveness.
His friend Muhammad Alif Najmi Amran, 23, who also underwent automotive skills training and now works as a vehicle inspector, shares similar sentiments. He sees skills training as an alternative platform that opens up opportunities for youths interested in technical fields, adding that whilst undergoing such courses, trainees are given an allowance as well as assured job placements upon completion.
His current job involves comprehensive inspections of used cars that customers wish to sell, including assessing the exterior and interior conditions, identifying signs of accidents and conducting test drives to ensure the transmission system and major components are functioning properly.
“During our training programme, we were taught how to inspect the gearbox, lighting system, body structure and identify damages. All of this is important to determine the true market value of a car,” Muhammad Alif said, adding that he is interested in exploring a career in sales consultancy in the future.
He said previously, he used to work in the food and beverage industry where his income was just enough to get by.
“But after entering the automotive field, I can now support myself and help my family. At the very least, I now see a clear direction in life,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carsome Academy chief executive officer Teoh Jiun Ee said the establishment of the TVET training centre is part of the company’s effort to strengthen the automotive industry and provide certified skills training for youths, in collaboration with the Department of Skills Development.
“We found that many workers in the automotive field have the skills but lack official recognition. This prompted us to provide a pathway for skills recognition and certification for workers and trainees,” he said, adding the initiative also aims to offer better job opportunities to youths who are less inclined toward academic fields.
The Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 2 in Light Vehicle Maintenance programme offered by Carsome Academy is also targeted at youths from low-income groups, with the academy collaborating with organisations such as Yayasan Hasanah, Yayasan MBI and Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to provide sponsorships such as scholarships and training allowances to eligible trainees.
-- BERNAMA