Automotive TVET course offers job opportunities for low-income youths

Daily Express

03-07-2025

Published on: Thursday, July 03, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025
By: Bernama Text Size: Students can gain hands-on skills that add to their employability through Carsome Academy's training programme. (Bernama pic) Kuala Lumpur: While most of his peers were still waiting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results or planning to further their studies at higher learning institutions, Muhammad Hafuza Aris made a different decision. Four years ago, after completing his SPM, he chose to join a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme in the automotive field offered by Carsome Academy, a skills-training institution, in hopes of quickly securing a permanent job and supporting his family. 'I've always been interested in the automotive field, so when I found out there was a course that only takes nine months to complete and only requires a minimum PT3 qualification, I applied right away. 'My goal was to start working as soon as possible to support and take care of my family, but first I needed to gain knowledge,' he told Bernama. The 22-year-old's inclination towards hands-on, skills-based work was nurtured from a young age, partly influenced by his father who operated a small vehicle-repair workshop at home. Hafuza believes that mastering technical skills is essential for becoming self-reliant as it not only opens up employment opportunities but also serves as a foundation for sustaining oneself, especially during uncertain economic times. Now working as a vehicle inspector at a used-car buying and selling platform, he sees technical training as a way to build discipline, strong character, and a sense of responsibility and competitiveness. His friend Muhammad Alif Najmi Amran, who also underwent automotive skills training and now works as a vehicle inspector, shares similar sentiments. He sees skills training as an alternative platform that opens up opportunities for youths interested in technical fields, noting that while undergoing such courses, trainees are given an allowance as well as assured job placements upon completion. His current job involves comprehensive inspections of used cars that customers wish to sell, including assessing the exterior and interior conditions, identifying signs of accidents, and conducting test drives to ensure the transmission system and major components are functioning properly. 'During our training programme, we were taught how to inspect the gearbox, lighting system and body structure, and to identify damages. All of this is important to determine the true market value of a car,' Alif said. The 23-year-old, who is interested in a career in sales consultancy in the future, shared that he'd previously worked in the food and beverage industry, where his income had been just enough to get by. 'But after entering the automotive field, I can now support myself and help my family. At the very least, I now see a clear direction in life,' he said. Strengthening the industry Meanwhile, Carsome Academy chief executive officer Teoh Jiun Ee said the establishment of the TVET training centre is part of the company's effort to strengthen the automotive industry and provide certified skills training for youths, in collaboration with the skills development department. 'We found that many workers in the field have skills but lack official recognition. This prompted us to provide a pathway for skills recognition and certification for workers and trainees,' he said. The initiative also aims to offer better job opportunities to youths who are less inclined towards academic fields. The Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 2 in Light Vehicle Maintenance programme is targeted at youths from low-income groups, with the academy collaborating with organisations such as Yayasan Hasanah, Yayasan MBI, and Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to provide scholarships and training allowances.