SANDAKAN – The people of Sabah have evolved their perception of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), no longer considering it a secondary choice for those who may not excel in traditional education.
According to Mohd Noor Shahudin, the Higher Education Ministry’s Polytechnic and Community College Department senior director, the residents of Sabah now view TVET as their primary choice for securing a successful career, evident in the growing demand for enrollment in polytechnic and community colleges within the state.
“Current job opportunities and industry demands strongly endorse the skills sector. As of September this year, the employability rate of graduates from Polytechnic Sandakan stands at an impressive 99.6%.
“The influx of SPM graduates into polytechnic and community colleges has also surged nationwide, increasing by 20% from last year, with figures rising from 75,000 to 93,000.
“In Sandakan, enrollment into Polytechnic Sandakan exceeded 100%, indicating full capacity. However, the institution still accommodated eligible applicants,” he said at a press conference held after the Polytechnic Sandakan graduation ceremony at the Sandakan Sports Complex yesterday.
To address the escalating demand for enrollment in the local polytechnic college, Mohd Noor disclosed that the Higher Education Ministry is actively expanding the workforce in TVET education.
Furthermore, his department is pursuing increased allocations for the upcoming year to enhance the existing facilities across all polytechnic colleges, including the 10-year-old Sandakan Polytechnic.
The graduation ceremony celebrated 313 graduates who successfully completed their Diploma in Agrotechnology and Aquaculture. Mohd Noor expressed confidence in the graduates’ capabilities and skills – assuring them that they would encounter no difficulties in securing employment within the state if they chose not to pursue further education.
Additionally, he highlighted the collaborative efforts between the department of Polytechnic and the industrial sector in Sabah to produce more skilled workers in response to industry needs.
“We closely analyse the specific skills required by Sabah’s industries. If we identify gaps between the skills we provide and those needed by the industry, we take the initiative to bridge these gaps and enhance the relevant skills and expertise among our students,” he said. – September 24, 2023.