KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) — Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric Malaysia and three industrial companies to produce skilled electrical workers under the MARA-SWITCHPRO Apprenticeship Programme.

MARA Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the programme, which offers industry-based training and salary prospects of up to RM5,000 for participants, is being implemented in collaboration with Schneider Electric Malaysia, Simatek Industrial Training, Starlight Electrical Industries Sdn Bhd and Advance Industrial Solutions Sdn Bhd, which are serving as the programme’s pioneer industry partners.

Participants will undergo six months of intensive training followed by another six months of on-the-job training with the participating companies, he added.

“This strategic collaboration enables participants to obtain the internationally recognised Schneider Electric Competency Certificate, which will enhance their value in the job market, provide them with industry placements, and offer more structured employment opportunities upon completing the programme.

“Graduates who successfully complete the programme have the potential to earn premium salaries, with a starting pay of at least RM5,000 per month, including allowances,” he said at the launch of the MARA-SWITCHPRO Apprenticeship Programme here today.

Asyraf Wajdi said MARA Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students who hold professional certificates, the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), or Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) Levels Four and Five become more valuable to industry after undergoing the training and obtaining professional certification.

As evidence of the programme’s effectiveness, he said all 18 participants in Cohort 1 successfully completed their training and will now undergo industry placements before being absorbed into the workforce by the participating companies.

“A total of 22 participants from Cohort 2 will begin training this August, and the programme aims to recruit 200 participants over the next three years,” he said.

He added that MARA currently operates 270 TVET institutions nationwide, offering more than 400 programmes across various technical and vocational fields, allowing curricula to be tailored to current industry needs.

“Our curriculum is highly flexible and can always be adjusted to meet industry demands. If the industry requires a particular skill set, MARA is able to enhance and update its training programmes to fulfil those needs,” he said.

He also called on more companies to collaborate with MARA, not only in the electrical sector but across various other industrial sub-sectors.

Meanwhile, at a separate press conference, when asked about graduate employability, Asyraf Wajdi said MARA recorded an employability rate of more than 99 per cent this year, with diploma graduates and holders of professional certificates securing starting salaries of more than RM3,000 per month.

“For example, Samsung plans to recruit about 700 MARA TVET diploma graduates this year, offering a starting salary of RM3,200 during a six-month on-the-job training period.

“After confirmation of employment, their salaries will increase to around RM3,800 to RM3,900 per month,” he said.

He added that the collaboration between MARA and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) also plays an important role in meeting the workforce needs of foreign investors seeking to operate in Malaysia.

“Through MIDA, foreign investors first engage with MARA to identify the required skills, human resource needs, and training models before investing in Malaysia.

“We not only want to ensure that our graduates remain highly employable, but also that they receive salaries and allowances commensurate with their skills and competencies,” he said.

— BERNAMA