Portal KSM

Jobless grads get more help to undergo specialised ICT courses
SundayStar:18/07/2010

SEGAMAT: The Human Resource Ministry has launched a new programme to help the more than 30,000 students who remain unemployed six months after their graduation.

Its minister Datuk S. Subramaniam said the government was allocating RM10.5mil for the Graduate Employability Programme which would focus on unemployed diploma and degree holders.

He said the programme would increase their prospects in the job market as it allowed them to take up specialised Information and Com­munication Technology courses.

Speaking during the launch of the programme here yesterday, Subramaniam said the programme was also open to those who were still unemployed three months after completing their studies.

“For example, students who have degrees in arts and religious studies find it hard to get jobs but this programme could help them add value to their existing qualifications,” he said.

He added, however, that if there were too many applicants, they would have to shortlist those who would benefit most from the programme.

“Fees for the programme will be borne by the government.

“All those who enrol for this programme will also have a guaranteed job once they complete it,” he said, adding that the ministry was targeting at least 1,000 graduates.

Commenting on the lack of employment for graduates, Subramaniam said that among the main factors for this was the fact that the courses did not meet the current demand.

Meanwhile, Subramaniam stated that the current unemployment rate in Malaysia was about 3.4% and it was slowly decreasing.