IPOH, The introduction of premium salaries for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates is expected to draw more young people towards choosing this path as a viable career option. Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) director Dr Shamsuri Abdullah said the competitive salary rates could also help change the public perception of TVET, which has long been viewed as a 'second-class' education programme. 'This initiative not only boosts the global competitiveness of our local workforce, but with higher salaries, we can ensure a greater retention and development of skilled workers across various sectors. 'Also, it will indirectly reduce the nation's dependence on foreign labour,' he told Bernama today. On Sept 23, the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (MTVET) agreed to set a premium salary for TVET graduates, ranging from RM2,500 to RM4,000. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the salary range was higher than the current minimum wage of RM1 ,500 set by the government. Shamsuri added that PUO remains committed to producing more high-quality graduates who meet the demands of the job market, particularly in the TVET field. 'We are confident that with policy support like this, more TVET graduates will succeed and play an essential role in advancing the country's economic sectors,' he said. Meanwhile, Perai Industrial Training Institute (ILP) student Mohd Hazim Umar, 19, said the attractive salary range has been a key motivator for him to strive for excellence in his current pursuit of a Diploma in Welding Technology. The second-semester student explained that his decision to continue studying in this field was influenced by the comfortable lifestyle enjoyed by his elder brother, Mohd Haziq, 32, a former Perai ILP graduate. 'At first, many of my friends were surprised when they found out I was pursuing a career in welding, as my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results were quite good, qualifying me for more popular courses. 'However, after much consideration, I believe this field offers better job security. My resolve was strengthened further when I saw my brother earning over ten thousand ringgit monthly as an underwater welder,' he said. Muhammad Qayyum Abdul Latif, 34, a graduate of the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM) Eastern Region in Jenagor, Terengganu, said the introduction of premium salaries was a recognition of TVET workers, placing them on par with other professions that contribute significantly to the country's income. The Kuala Kangsar native, who runs an air-conditioning business, added that continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure all employers involved in TVET fields comply with the guidelines set by MTVET. 'We are concerned that despite the salary rates being established, some employers may fail to adhere. Therefore, consistent monitoring and enforcement measures are essential to guarantee compliance. 'This will help ensure that TVET becomes a top career choice for youths seeking stable and rewarding employment,' he sai d. Source: BERNAMA News Agency