Heavy rain and scorching sun did not dampen the spirits of job seekers and fresh graduates who came to take part in the 1Malaysia Training Scheme (SL1M) Northern Zone programme which was held last Saturday and Sunday at the Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim.
With about 9,000 jobs offered and involving more than 45 companies including government-linked companies, participants from as far as Perak, Perlis and Penang came to the stadium as early as 7am for a chance to find their dream job.
Organised by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in collaboration with the government agencies and the private sector, it was the final edition of the programme for the first quarter of this year before it resumes in July.
SL1M Head of Secretariat Norashikin Ismail said the programme received overwhelming response with more than 10,000 participants queueing up for an interview on the first day of the programme.
She added, this was the second SL1M programme held inKedah after last year, and the feedback received by people in the state and also from Perlis, Penang and Perak was good.
“It has been our intention to provide a platform to help job seekers to find a suitable job and through SL1M, we have achieved our target to provide a venue for job seekers and fresh graduates in the northern zone to find a suitable job.
“Atotal of 9,000 jobs are offered here at the Northern Zone and we also invited agro entrepreneurs, youth, single mothers and the disabled to open sales booths in conjunction with this programme,” said Norashikin when met at SL1M Northern Zone.
She said the SL1M programme in Kedah also offered a free resume clinic, which provided resume advice and a career talk for fresh graduates who were still clueless on the steps that they should take in applying for work.
Norashikin said the jobs offered at SL1M Northern Zone were suitable for all levels, from Primary Six- to PhD-level.
“SL1M does no timpose any payment for participants thus job seekers and fresh graduates should not miss the chance.
“Do not be deceived by job fairs that impose charges for the participants because SL1M provides all of the services including interview, clinics and resume advice for free,” she said.
The two-day event was officiated by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
Ahmad Bashah said he was pleased to see the good turnout by the youth in Kedah, to take advantage of the programme and the jobs on offer.
“My advise to the younger generation is to take the opportunities that come that way and notto be fussy when selected a job. Grab the opportunities that land on your lap and work hard to better yourself,” he said.
He also thanked the organisers for coming to Kedah, adding that the state will always support the event and he hoped that the event would continue for years to come.
Ahmad Bashah also expressed hope that more Kedah companies and investors would also play their part and participate in future SL1M events.
Besides job vacancies, visitors also have the opportunity to explore other options, like agriculture and business.
The programme featured a special apprearance from celebrities likeFaizal Tahir, Zero, Wings, Khalifah, Drama band, Monoloque, Pesawat, Kugiran Masdo, Floor88, Payslip, Atmosfera Band, Ali Puteh Maharaja lawak and CK Faizal.
They were also entertained by performances from FIM Asia Supermoto Champion, besides sales booths and lucky draws at the event.