KUCHING: The marketability of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) graduates, especially those from Kuching Polytechnic Sarawak (PKS), is more than 90 per cent.
CEO of PolyCC Department of Polytechnic Education and Community College (JPPKK), Datuk Dr Mohd Abdul Karim Abdullah, said that industries preferred to recruit TVET or polytechnic graduates as they had more hands-on experience compared to diploma- and degree-holders from universities.
“TVET graduates have gained more exposure to the practical aspects of what they have studied,” he said.
The PKS industry advisor was speaking at the closing ceremony of orientation week at PKS, Jalan Matang, here yesterday, during which a bus donated by Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad (SDHB) was also handed over to PKS.
“In higher learning institutions such as universities, a lot of emphasis is placed on theory and they have minimal workshops,” he said, adding that fresh graduates would therefore be still trying to get their bearings upon entering the workforce.
“Statistics show that you have to be exposed for at least two years on average before you really figure out your tasks and responsibilities in the career world,” said Abdul Karim, who is also SDHB group managing director and CEO.
He said that TVET and polytechnic graduates were able to adapt to the working environment more quickly as they already participated in industry activities during their courses.
“Some debate that universities in the future will be more focused on Masters degrees and PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy) ― very much focusing on research,” he said.
He advised that research conducted would have to be applicable and useful for industries.
During a press conference following the closing ceremony, Abdul Karim said that SDHB did not set a quota on PKS students to undergo industry attachment there.
“When the request is made, we will look at the condition of the company to see if there are opportunities for them to come in for industry attachment,” he said.
He said that SDHB fully supported the practice of students undergoing industry attachment.
“It is a good practice to ensure that students do not experience culture shock when they enter the workforce,” he said.
