SUNGAI PETANI: The Skills and Career Training Programme (PLKK) initiated by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) is providing significant career opportunities for students, particularly those from the B40 income group in rural areas. The program focuses on empowering students through training in skills-based and technology-driven fields, enhancing their prospects in the job market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KEDA's general manager, Ismasuhaimi Sharif, emphasized the program's primary aim of equipping students with necessary skills to improve their employability. "PLKK is a career and skills development programme...we focus on B40 students, especially those from rural areas, to improve their skill sets," Ismasuhaimi stated at a press conference following the certificate presentation for participants of the PLKK 2023 program.
The PLKK initiative is supported by an allocation of RM600,000 for 2023, facilitating training in five key areas: Professional Hairdressing, Automation Industry (Mechatronics), Electronics Industry, Electrical Industry, and Basic Hospitality Services and Operations Training. As of December last year, 57 students completed their training at the Kedah Industrial Skills and Management Development Centre (KISMEC), with participation in various sectors including Automation, Electronics, and Electrical Industries.
For the upcoming year, KEDA has secured RM532,970 to expand its course offerings to nine new areas, such as agricultural drone operation, air-conditioning systems, pipeline gas, and solar technology. The program aims to not only impart technical skills but also foster entrepreneurship among students. "Once students acquire technical skills, we will introduce entrepreneurship training so they can grow, establish their own businesses, increase their family income, and ultimately benefit the surrounding community," Ismasuhaimi added.
The initiative reflects KEDA's ongoing commitment to supporting the socioeconomic development of rural communities by integrating skill development with entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby enabling students to contribute positively to their communities.