The government today launched a special training scheme to equip fresh and unemployed graduates with skills required by the industries in a move to realise the New Economic Model’s (NEM) aim of making Malaysia a high-income nation.

Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam said under the scheme called Graduate Employability Programme (GEP), the graduates would not only enhance their chances of employability but also become more innovative and creative in line with the NEM.

The minister said RM10.5 million had been allocated for the GEP and it would be managed by Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) under the ministry.

“The GEP’s aim is to increase the skills and competencies of graduates to prepare them for the job market with higher salaries and to assist the less fortunate graduates who cannot find employment due to lack of skills,” he said when launching the GEP here.

When unveiling the NEM last March, Prime Minister Najib Razak said it would make Malaysia more competitive regionally and globally with benefits accruing to all Malaysians, with their per capita income increasing to US$15,000 by the end of the decade from US$7,000 currently.

Najib had said that creating a high-income nation would mean higher wages throughout the economy as growth was derived not only from capital, but from greater productivity through the use of skills and innovation, improved coordination, stronger branding and compliance with international standards and intellectual property rights.

First batch of 1,000 for six-month training

Subramaniam, who is also the Segamat member of parliament, said the GEP would equip, develop and assist unemployed graduates through six key skills namely, ICT; competencies; transferable skills which include communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving; relevant working experience; exploring new route for their career; and job placement.

He said the target group would be diploma and degree holders who had been unemployed for at least three months after graduation.

“We will select the first batch of 1,000 graduates for this programme and they will undergo training between five and six months,” the minister said.

He said the training would include three components - classroom training; attachment; and job placement.

“The attachment component provides hands-on learning environment and because of on-the-job experience, it makes its easier for trainees to apply what has been learnt in the classroom to where they are attached to,” he said.

He said the government would bear the course fee for the graduates who would also be paid a monthly allowance of RM500 during the training.

He said on completion of the GEP, the trainees would secure employment almost immediately.

Dr Subramaniam said to enlist, graduates could download application forms at www.hrdf.com.my or send their applications to PSMB.

- Bernama