THE government currently has no plans to establish vocational schools or colleges in Kanowit said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
He said that in response to a question from Allan Siden Gramong (GPS-Machan) on the likelihood of the government constructing vocational schools or colleges in Kanowit during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
However, Harden said that the students from Kanowit, who are interested in furthering their studies at a vocational school or college, can do so at the nearest vocational college in Sibu.
Meanwhile, in response to Allan’s supplemental question about the capacity of Sibu’s vocational schools and the opportunities for vocational graduates, he stated that the four Sibu vocational colleges had a combined capacity of 680 students.
“We expect 70 per cent of vocational college graduates to work, 20 per cent to continue their education and 10 per cent to become entrepreneurs,” he said.
He went on to say that, depending on their fields, students from vocational colleges are able to continue their studies at public higher learning institutions (IPTA) or private higher learning institutions (IPTS).
“Vocational college graduates with a Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM) and a Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 can also pursue a Vocational Training Officer (VTO) course,” he said.
He added students who have completed their studies and received VTO certification can work as instructors at any skills centre.
“After completing their vocational studies, students who have achieved an SKM Level 3 can pursue public and private skills training to obtain an SKM Level 4 in the relevant fields they are involved in,” he said.
