Kuala lumpur: The McDonald's Malaysia Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, which provides access to relevant and marketable education to the young generation, is in line with the National Dual Training System (SLDN) introduced by the government.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang highlighted that through the programme, Form Three graduates have the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications such as the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), or Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (DLKM), while continuing their studies without any financial burden.
Since the academy's establishment in 2018, it has produced more than 5,000 graduates, with over 70 per cent employed within McDonald's Malaysia's nationwide network. The remaining graduates have pursued opportunities with other companies, continued their studies, or ventured into entrepreneurship. Rubiah emphasized that this success exemplifies the effectiveness of the government-industry collaboration model, aligning with the country's goals to produce skilled and competitive human capital.
During the Fifth Convocation Ceremony of the McDonald's Vocational Academy, attended by Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh and McDonald's Malaysia managing director and local operating partner, Datuk Azmir Jaafar, Rubiah urged more companies to support the country's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. She advocated for inclusive collaboration models between the government, training institutions, and industry players to prepare the workforce for future economic demands.
Rubiah noted that the employability rate of TVET graduates has reached 95.1 per cent as of 2024, indicating growing acceptance among employers. However, she acknowledged that achieving a 100 per cent marketability rate remains challenging, as some graduates choose to pursue further education or entrepreneurship.
McDonald's Malaysia managing director, Azmir, detailed the support provided to apprentices during their 18-month study period, which includes sponsorship of monthly allowance, accommodation, meals, insurance, and contributions to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). Each apprentice benefits from an investment of approximately RM40,000, with no service contract obligations post-graduation. Additionally, McDonald's collaborates with the State Islamic Religious Council to offer opportunities to asnaf and orphans, providing them a monthly allowance of RM1,700, aligned with the government's minimum wage.