THE Bukit Bendera parliamentary constituency is set to hold a two-day carnival to further promote the technical, vocational education, and training (TVET) courses and to provide insights into the TVET-based career prospects this December.
Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid emphasised the significance of focusing on TVET for the development of a skilled workforce.
“The carnival will be held on December 2 and 3 at the ground floor of Gurney Plaza’s extension wing atrium from 10am until 5pm.
“Some 500 visitors, including trainers from public and private technical institutions and upper secondary school students, are expected to participate in the event.
“The carnival will feature 20 booths to provide information on TVET studies and career opportunities offered by the participating public and private technical institutions,” Syerleena said during a press conference held recently.
Among the exhibitors were MyFuture Jobs and Perkeso.
“TVET is gaining more attention from year to year as evidenced by the allocation of RM6.8 billion in the National Budget 2024 for the TVET programme.
“TVET graduates are able to master both the knowledge and practical skills compared to those graduates of the academic programmes.
“This is an advantage that can open the door for many career opportunities. TVET is not a secondary option but an alternative one indeed,” said Syerleena.
Meanwhile, Penang State Education Department TVET senior assistant director Azhan Abdullah said the demand for skilled workers is expected to rise annually.
Azhan said in the next three years, industries will require approximately 5,000 skilled workers in Penang.
Penang STEM general manager Richard Chung, who was present, shared that the organisation plans to launch a TVET programme for Form 4 and Form 5 students, providing an early introduction to the study of TVET courses.
Chung also added that, apart from SPM leavers, working adults can also join the TVET education and training programme to rescale their skills.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud