PETALING JAYA: The Covid-19 pandemic has delivered a huge blow to Malaysians and millions more across the world.
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The virus has not only taken the lives of many but has also affected industries and economies.
A large number of companies and businesses have had to close shop because they can no longer afford to operate, and many more have lost their jobs and incomes.
Graduates have been among the hardest hit because of the absence of job opportunities.
A handful of companies want workers with experience and this leads to fresh graduates missing out.
The meagre salaries also result in graduates uninterested in looking for jobs in industries unrelated to their studies.
Realising the problem, the government, through the youth and sports ministry, has introduced a new programme called the National Apprenticeship Scheme (SPN) to help youth with no experience get jobs.
The ministry, through the National Youth and Sports Department, is offering youth partnerships with private companies which will guarantee job opportunities.
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Pure Education Sdn Bhd, a company appointed to provide training, has welcomed the opportunity.
It will provide jobs and training in the food and beverage, manufacturing, hotel, retail, and communications industries, among others.
Already, over 1,000 graduates have been interviewed by Pure Education for “place and train” and “job placement” programmes under the SPN. Some 200 youths have succeeded in getting jobs and this figure is expected to increase.
Pure Education is also offering upskilling and reskilling training for youths to improve their knowledge and skills before entering the workforce.
The SPN programme is beneficial for participating companies, enabling those particularly without funds to train their future workers while helping other companies which need workers.
At the same time, by taking part in the SPN, graduates with no jobs have a better chance of gaining employment. The programme is expected to reduce unemployment and help people who have been affected by Covid-19.
Companies taking part in the SPN can claim wage subsidies under the Penjana initiative of RM600 per person for six months from Socso and training subsidies from HRDF of RM4,000 per person.
Employers and companies who wish to take part and provide training and job opportunities to youth may contact the SPN secretariat at spn@kbs.gov.my or 03-8871 3265/ 3264 / 3463. – FMT