‘The future is yours,’ Nurul Izzah tells TVET grads

 

Nurul Izzah Anwar said it is recognised that an engineer with a university degree cannot perform the role of a highly qualified welder, for example. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) graduates should not be looked down upon as they will be key players in the nation’s future, Nurul Izzah Anwar says.

The former head of the TVET Empowerment Committee under Pakatan Harapan said technical skills are valuable assets to have, and should not be viewed unfavourably next to more academic qualifications.

Speaking during Astro Awani’s ‘Dialog’ programme, she pointed to Germany as a country where vocational workers are seen as peers, as it is recognised that an engineer with a university degree cannot perform the role of a highly qualified welder, for example.

“Please respect the industry, and to TVET graduates, the future is yours,” she said, when asked of her message to those seeking or having completed TVET accreditation.

Nurul Izzah Anwar says the future belongs to TVET grads.

Her comments echoed those of Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin over the last week, who both espoused the importance of skills based education.

Yesterday, Mohamad, often referred to as Tok Mat, even said it was now the “skills over degree” era, where experience was more important than academic certificates.

In addition to TVET skills, he said graduates must also be critical, creative, confident, articulate and result-oriented in order to succeed in the job market.

Muhyiddin sang a similar tune a week prior while closing the TVET Expo and Summit 2021, and said TVET should be treated as an alternative, not inferior choice of education.

“For students and parents who are at crossroads in seeking a suitable career path, I would like to assure you that TVET is among the suitable choices.

“In fact, local TVET institutions, both public and private, are among the best in the world.” - FMT