KUALA LUMPUR, The establishment of premium wages for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates is expected to have positive implications, including addressing the shortage of skilled workers in various industrial sectors sought by employers, says National Organisation of Skilled Workers (BELIA MAHIR) secertary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan. He said the move could also contribute to enhancing the quality of TVET education, as premium wages would motivate students and institutions to prioritise excellence in skills training. "Moreover, premium wages for TVET graduates improve the perception of technical and vocational careers, highlighting the value and significance of skilled workers in today's competitive labour market. "By recognising and rewarding expertise gained through TVET programmes, employers not only attract top talent but also foster a culture of lifelong learning and skills development," he said in a statement today. However, Mohammad Rizan emphasised that both public an d private TVET training institutions must play a crucial role in ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to secure high-paying jobs in today's competitive job market. Mohammad Rizan pointed out that employers were always on the lookout for well-trained candidates who could contribute effectively to their organisations. He said that quality assurance measures in TVET institutions, including developing curricula aligned with industry needs, employing experienced faculty, providing state-of-the-art training facilities, and fostering industry partnerships for hands-on training opportunities, must be prioritised. He noted that by investing in TVET graduates' quality assurance, both students and employers benefited from a win-win situation where graduates were rewarded with premium wages, and industries gained skilled professionals to drive growth and innovation. Yesterday, the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (MTVET) agreed to set premium wages for TVET graduat es at a rate between RM2,500 and RM4,000. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the wage rate exceeded the current government-mandated minimum income of RM1,500 and was intended to attract more TVET graduates to work in related sectors. Source: BERNAMA News Agency