THE announcement of SPM examination results recently and the issue of youth unemployment refer.
Any negative perception towards vocational education should be put aside as such education can bring many benefits for those who dare to venture into it.
Many of us still regard vocational study as a second class area of education and still believe conventional academic education as the best and the only option available for the future of our youngsters.
Conventional academic education can no longer be regarded as the only option available for the youth. It can no longer guarantee job placement as we are now living in a different world where the level of competition is very high not only within the country but also globally.
The demand from industries has also changed. Many industries are looking for candidates with special skills instead of those with the most number of As.
As such, our society needs to have a different attitude towards vocational education and see such education as an attractive option which can guarantee and secure the livelihood of children in the future.
In many major developed and developing countries a lot of respect is given to vocational education. Candidates with vocational certificates can easily find work in many sectors.
The government must show it is serious about vocational education. More money should be allocated to strengthen vocational education.
The government must set up more vocational schools and institutions along with community colleges to offer youths a wide range of education and training programmes.
Our students and younger generation should be exposed at an early age to the benefits of vocational education instead of focusing on conventional education.
The Education Act 1996 should be amended to make vocational schools and colleges an important part of the country's education system.
By changing our perception of vocational education as well as by giving our continuous support for these education pathways, it will encourage many youths to sign up and develop their skills.
At the same time, it would also help to meet the increased demand for skilled workers and reduce reliance on foreign workers.
Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow
Nilai
Any negative perception towards vocational education should be put aside as such education can bring many benefits for those who dare to venture into it.
Many of us still regard vocational study as a second class area of education and still believe conventional academic education as the best and the only option available for the future of our youngsters.
Conventional academic education can no longer be regarded as the only option available for the youth. It can no longer guarantee job placement as we are now living in a different world where the level of competition is very high not only within the country but also globally.
The demand from industries has also changed. Many industries are looking for candidates with special skills instead of those with the most number of As.
As such, our society needs to have a different attitude towards vocational education and see such education as an attractive option which can guarantee and secure the livelihood of children in the future.
In many major developed and developing countries a lot of respect is given to vocational education. Candidates with vocational certificates can easily find work in many sectors.
The government must show it is serious about vocational education. More money should be allocated to strengthen vocational education.
The government must set up more vocational schools and institutions along with community colleges to offer youths a wide range of education and training programmes.
Our students and younger generation should be exposed at an early age to the benefits of vocational education instead of focusing on conventional education.
The Education Act 1996 should be amended to make vocational schools and colleges an important part of the country's education system.
By changing our perception of vocational education as well as by giving our continuous support for these education pathways, it will encourage many youths to sign up and develop their skills.
At the same time, it would also help to meet the increased demand for skilled workers and reduce reliance on foreign workers.
Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow
Nilai