Penang: Penang aims to enhance efforts in developing local talent for the electric vehicle (EV) industry to meet the increasing market demand. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said this was important in ensuring the industry ecosystem, which required skilled automotive mechanics and engineers to handle EVs, could be sustained.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zairil emphasized the need for collaboration between government and private skills training centers in the EV industry to produce highly skilled talent. He noted that nurturing young people in this field is crucial, as there are currently limited training centers available, yet the industry's demand for skilled professionals is high.
Zairil spoke about these efforts after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between EV PLUS Mobility Solutions and SLC Auto Academy. The agreement aims to advance green mobility and talent development. He stated that this collaboration is a significant step in positioning Penang as a green and sustainable state in the future, aligning with the government's policy to promote EV usage and low-carbon initiatives.
He highlighted the importance of providing training and employment opportunities for young people in the automotive industry, especially within the EV sector, as Malaysia actively promotes EV adoption. Developing talent that matches market demand is a priority, he added.
Meanwhile, SLC Auto Academy marketing manager Shahrirl Anuar Shah Abdullah explained that their courses, aimed primarily at school dropouts, enable students to acquire skills in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The academy offers certificate-level courses for two years and diploma-level courses for three years for students aged 16 to 23 in various automotive fields, including EV.
Shahrirl mentioned that job opportunities for their students are extensive, with many securing jobs immediately upon course completion. Some students have even received job offers while still studying, due to their high skill levels in the field.