KUALA LUMPUR: THE 1Malaysia Training Scheme (SL1M) is a noble way for companies to give back to society and contribute to nation-building.
It gives job seekers the opportunity to apply for a training stint in participating companies to boost their chances of being employed.
SL1M is an initiative under the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department.
SL1M secretariat head Norashikin Ismail urged more public-listed companies that secured government contracts to join the programme because it is their corporate social responsibility.
“We will get the list from the Finance Ministry to identify all companies that have benefited from government contracts,” she said, adding that she was glad with the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak calling for public-listed companies to participate in SL1M to secure government contracts.
Najib made the announcement on Tuesday during the programme’s two-day open interview for the central zone at Putra World Trade Centre here.
Norashikin said 200 companies have participated in SL1M, with government-linked entities being the biggest supporter.
“Despite the lack of experience and being fresh graduates, companies should not look at SL1M and its trainees as an additional burden.”
She said this is because the companies can enjoy double deductions in their income tax for a year on costs and expenditures.
Norashikin said there are also the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF)-SL1M incentives that can assist registered employers to equip their future workers with skills and knowledge from the industry’s perspective. Throughout this scheme, employers are allowed to apply for financial support using the company’s levy for training purposes, whether for in-house or public programmes.
So far, 99,000 graduates have secured jobs through SL1M from 2011 to last year.
“This is a great opportunity for graduates to get working experience and training to improve their soft skills and language competency,” said Norashikin.
The next leg of the programme will be held at Universiti Malaysia Pahang in Gambang on March 29 and 30, followed by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak on April 19 and 20, Alor Star, Kedah, in May, Kota Belud, Sabah, in July and Bandar Melaka in Malacca in August.
On Tuesday, Najib also launched a book entitled Faith. There was also a “Battle of the Drums” performance, comprising 24 season drums, tribal dhols and kompang sewar.
Kumpulan Zero of Maharaja Lawak Mega was present to entertain the job seekers.
JOB SEEKERS SAY:
“Since I started looking for a job, I have sent out nearly 200 resumes to companies listed on JobStreet.
It is easier to have a face-to-face interview because the response from applying online sometimes takes a long time.
“Before coming to take part in this programme, I worked as a retailer at a Giant Hypermarket in Johor Baru. I am grateful to be able to participate in this programme.”
Mohamad Izzat Ghazali, 27, Johor Baru, (Universiti Kuala Lumpur engineering technology and business management graduate)
“I graduated in 2013. I have some work experience in event management and administration.
I applied to work in Malaysia Airlines Bhd as I want to get more experience in a different environment.
“With this attachment, I will undergo a one-year training programme as a customer service officer trainee with an allowance of about RM1,440 not including overtime.”
Aishah Ibrahim, 27, Sarawak, (UiTM Shah Alam graphic design graduate)
“Many of my friends do not know about SL1M. I hope that SL1M will consider having a roadshow nationwide. I attended four interviews today, and I was accepted on my first try.
“With this attachment, I will receive a monthly allowance, transport allowance and medical insurance.
It was worthwhile travelling to Kuala Lumpur for the interview.”
Vignes Perumal, 26, Sungai Petani, (Universiti Tenaga Nasional electrical power engineering graduate)
“I was funded without a bond from Majlis Amanah Rakyat. Upon graduating, my French course mates secured jobs from their friends and families’ contacts. It has not been so easy for me.
“I am grateful for SL1M and Tenaga Nasional Bhd for this valuable opportunity to obtain further training and experience.”
Asree Rafique Mohamed Amin, 24, Tanjung Malim, (Universitè Nice Sophia Antipolis in France electrical engineering and industrial computing graduate)
“The open interview by 1Malaysia Training Scheme (SL1M) is very helpful. I found out that future employers prioritise a good attitude, passion and willingness to learn on the job over good grades and experience.
“To prepare myself, I worked on presenting a good resume and on personal grooming. I have applied to be a customer service officer trainee in Malaysia Airlines Bhd and am committed to carrying out my duties. As a trainee, I must be prepared to face on the job challeges as this field is different from what I have learnt in the university.”
Mohamad Azlan Abdul Manan, 27, Johor Baru, (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu food science graduate)
“After graduating last year in October, I applied online and was called for an interview for the SL1M programme. During my free time and while waiting for the interview, I did part-time catering and helped my father who is a carpenter.
“Tenaga Nasional Bhd is the biggest utility company in Malaysia and I am hoping to gain more experience in Thermal Power Plant.
“For me, I find that it is difficult for engineering graduates to get jobs if they have a poor attitude and lack work experience. It is also difficult to compete with senior engineers without any experience. With this attachment I will be able to gain some experience to help me. I am also the first among my siblings of eight to get a degree.”
Mohammad Nur Ariffin Yusoff, 24, Sabak Bernam, (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia mechanical engineering graduate)
EMPLOYERS SAYS
“Tenaga Nasional Bhd has been involved with SL1M very heavily since 2011 and we are the backbone to support the government’s aspiration to boost employability among the fresh graduates. As of 2011, we have taken 1,742 SL1M trainees, some of whom we have absorbed to become permanent staff.
“In this current round, we have interviewed about 1,000 candidates below 27-years and issued instant offer letters to successful 880 candidates. They will undergo eight-months training including a two-month intensive training in TNB Integrated Learning Solution (ILSAS) in areas such as technical, interpersonal, motivation and English language. For the remaining six months, they will be distributed to various departments within the company.
“SL1M is one way for TNB to recruit job seekers, as we are not only look at top-scorers but those with high potential. Candidates should also display confidence and not be shy in communicating.
“As a major player in the country’s development, it is also important for us to give back to society and SL1M allows us to do so.”
Rina Sarif (Tenaga Nasional Bhd Group Human Resource Division Talent Acquisition general manager)