KUALA LUMPUR: Never having considered missing out on school as a disadvantage, a young man is determined to change his destiny by participating in the MyFuture Youth Plus (MFYP) short-term course organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) recently.
Iqmal Hakim Abdullah, 19, from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan managed to complete an automotive course on handling excavation machinery at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKTBN) in Chembong, Rembau, and described it as the best opportunity for him to pursue his interest in the field.
“I only studied until Form 4, and now work as an operator at Nestle Rembau. I found out about this programme through WhatsApp, and applied for it myself. Alhamdullilah, I was accepted.
“I have been interested in machinery since childhood, and currently I am gathering information to continue my studies in this field. The officers in IKTBN gave me some suggestions on educational channels that I can try,” he told Bernama when met at the Meet & Greet session of MFYP Programme participants at the Parliament building today.
Iqmal Hakim is among 96 youths who have undergone training since the programme began on April 1, and about 700 people are expected to benefit from it until July this year.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old AN Tamotaran Nair from Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, said the course helped him gain more insight into air-conditioning service as a profession.
“It’s hard to get work after school, and I just want to become a more independent person and help change the fate of my family and with this course, I’m now more confident,” said the 18-year-old who completed the course at IKTBN, Sepang.
MFYP is a pilot project by the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS) in collaboration with the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN), non-governmental organisations and private skills training institutions that offer opportunities and alternatives to youths without Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certification or school dropouts.
The KBS initiative aims to maximise the potential of youths by providing them with the opportunity to acquire new skills, explore entrepreneurship and raise their interest in pursuing skills in line with the government’s aspirations.
The programme also helps youth at risk of social ills and from marginalised groups to improve their lives.
The programme is being implemented in stages, offering 70 free courses by 21 ILKBS nationwide.
Among the courses offered are photography, welding, pastry making, sewing, automotive, and multimedia.
Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who spoke during the gathering said KBS had been focusing on helping youth to ensure their voices remained heard.
“Those who have dropped out of school should not be labeled as someone with no future. My advice to adolescents, never give up, and always think of moving forward.
“I hope you all are accepted into the job environment and become the best of human resources, and that this opportunity (course) translates into your success,” he said.
Youths who are interested in pursuing the courses on offer can visit http://kemahiran.kbs.gov.my/ms or contact the nearest ILKBS. – Bernama
