Vocational education set for 'dynamic change'

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin with Professor Frances Corner, the head of the London College of Fashion, at the University of Arts London yesterday. — Bernama picture

THE much anticipated transformation of vocational studies in the country is set to take off with a revamped curriculum to be introduced by 2013, Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said here yesterday.He said the move was part of the Education Ministry's re-engineering of vocational education to transform it into a more dynamic system which could produce skilled graduates to fulfil manpower needs in various sectors.

Muhyiddin, who is also deputy prime minister, said the transformation process would involve basic vocational education for students who have just completed Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and also those seeking diplomas at vocational schools, which would be upgraded to vocational colleges.

"We view vocational education as being just as important as academic studies and want our vocational institutions to produce at least 20 per cent of our manpower needs in coming years.
"Right now we are only fulfilling 10 per cent of the industry needs from our vocational set-ups," he said after visiting the University of Arts London where he met the head of the London College of Fashion, Professor Frances Corner.

He also said the ministry was mulling establishing a strategic partnership with the renowned university.

The stopover was part of his three-day working visit here.

Muhyiddin said the transformation of vocational education would create a clearer path for vocational school students as their qualifications would be equivalent to a diploma.

It was reported that the secondary school syllabus was being revamped with vocational studies being added as a new stream. This means Form Four students will have three streams -- Science, Arts and Vocational. They will also be exposed to vocational studies from Form One.

Muhyiddin said the revamp of the vocational education would see students being exposed to more practical training of up to 80 per cent of the curriculum instead of academic studies.

The government was also in the process of establishing a National Vocational Council with the participation of the private sector and representatives of various organisations.

"We hope to see this council established soon and this reflects our commitment towards transforming the whole vocational education system to make it into an education of choice.

"This is a major exercise we are undertaking and private sector support is most welcomed."


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Taken from New Straits Times Online