TVET grads to get boost as govt pushing for RM3,000 minimum wage, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates should earn a minimum salary of RM3,000 or there would be no takers if the minimum wage was the same as that of unskilled workers, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Minister of Rural and Regional Development also said that the TVET secretariat, which previously came under the Ministry of Higher Education, has now come under the office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

 

Stating that there will be a TVET-focused China-Malaysia Institute next year in Johor, Ahmad Zahid also said that the TVET secretariat under him is currently in the midst of drafting the National TVET Policies, which will be launched in next February, after Cabinet approval.

Ahmad Zahid said this after handing over the appointment letters to members of the Advisory Council of the National Association of Skilled Workers (PKPB) in Parliament on Thursday (November 9).

He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the Malaysia-China Youth TVET Training Program between PKPB and Tang International Education, the coordinator of TVET institutes in China.

“There are 12 ministries involved in TVET with an annual expenditure of RM6.8 billion. However, what is the result of such a big bill and with 144 TVET institutes across the country?

“Currently, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is the only TVET university where TVET graduates can transfer credits and continue their studies up to postgraduate level.

“There is a need to make TVET qualifications globally accepted in a similar way to qualifications for administrative jobs. TVET should no longer be the second or last option for young people.

“With Malaysia expecting billions of foreign direct investments, there would be 3.4 million employment opportunities. Of these, 70% will be of the type that need TVET qualifications. Malaysia needs to prepare for this demand. If we do not prepare workers with proper TVET qualifications, we will be the losers,” said Ahmad Zahid.

He further stated that the academic pursuit must continue but the career path of those obtaining TVET degrees is bright and promising.

“Empirical studies have shown that an SPM graduate who obtains his degree and then pursues postgraduate studies, upon his return from abroad is hired for a RM2,750 job.

“However, an SPM graduate who continues with TVET courses, after being in the field for 10 years, can receive job offers of up to RM17,000. There are many more such cases. Academic failure should not be considered the end,” said Ahmad Zahid.

He also noted that the government would urge private employers to ensure that the minimum salary of TVET graduates is raised to RM3,000.

“The national minimum wage is currently RM1,500 for all workers. Who would want to get TVET qualifications if they graduated and earned the same as unskilled workers?,” said Ahmad Zahid.

He later told the media that he would not push for a minimum wage for TVET graduates through the Malaysian Employers’ Federation, but rather through memorandums of understanding with employers themselves who are willing to offer a wage. highest minimum.

“Some German companies in Malaysia have accepted this for TVET graduates. We can do the same with other private companies.

“There is no need for us to take this to Parliament as businesses would benefit more from recruiting TVET-skilled workers as they promise higher productivity. We do not need to deal with the MEF, but the government can deal with private employers on its own,” Ahmad Zahid said.