In view of the skill gap in Electrical and Electronics (E & E) sector, Malaysian government seeks resolution to improve education and training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Recently, Minister of Higher Education, Zambry Abdul Kadir, sounded the alarm as the growth of E&E is hampered by a dwindling interest in STEM that has contributed to a skill gap in the sector. The education and training neglect in E&E sector, which accounts for 5.8% of GDP in 2023, could lead to missed opportunities for Malaysia’s economic advancement.
To bridge this skill gap, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has emerged as a promising solution. According to government statistics, there was a significant increase in employability rates for TVET graduates, soaring from 65.5% in 2010 to 94.0% in 2023.
To address the skill gap challenge in Malaysia, Dr. Syed Alwee Alsagoff, an associate of Majlis Profesor Negara, said the government could consider an Apprenticeship Levy that requires businesses to contribute a percentage of their payroll to a dedicated fund. Some of the collected funds could then be strategically allocated to support various apprenticeship programs to provide young apprentices with essential skill training, mentorship, and financial assistance.
In addition, supportive budget funding can play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and growth of the critical sector for the benefit of trade-related vocational training schemes. If necessary, new regulation should be introduced to effect a minimum pay for apprentices of vocational training.
There are several strategic considerations that must be examined closely under the TVET initiative, according to Dr. Syed Alwee.
First and foremost, the government and businesses must identify specific skills that are in shortage to pave a way for apprenticeship.
Then, vocational training facilities should enter into partnerships with industrial employers to provide apprenticeship opportunities.
In order to help apprentices to further advance their career throughout their professional life, further or continuing education route must be in place to provide specialised and certification training.
Lastly, monitoring and evaluation system should be implemented to make possible regular assessment as to the effectiveness of respective apprenticeship programmes to identify areas for improvement and ensure accountability.
