New ‘Jelita’ TVET programme will empower women, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: A special technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme known as Jelita will provide more opportunities and empower women to venture into the industry, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Jelita initiative offers short-term and flexible training for females to obtain new skills.

“Jelita is a game-changing platform that is dedicated to empower women through education and skills training.

“The initiative is important for women as they are often faced with economic and social challenges such as gender discrimination; pay gap and having difficulty entering male-dominated fields,” he said when launching the programme at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here on Thursday (Aug 3).

Also present were Risda chairman Datuk Noraini Ahmad and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

The initiative led by Risda, encompasses various fields such as information technology, engineering, agro-technology, creative arts and the halal industry.

The initiative focuses on six target groups of women to empower the economy through the development of talents, skills, abilities and knowledge.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the programme initial aim was to offer 15,000 places for female students into the TVET programme over the next three years which offers 10 skills courses and certifications.

He said he hoped that the number of admissions would reach 150,000 by 2026.

“The initiative will not only offer skills training but also offer 1,000 job opportunities based on market needs from our industry partners.

“There are also chances for the students to further their studies in relevant fields in participating colleges that offer TVET subjects,” he said.

Universiti Agrosains Malaysia College (UCAM) and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) will be tasked as training supervisors and facilitators.

There are also 74 strategic partners to ensure the programme and certifications offered aligned with the needs of the industry.

Both UCAM and UTeM will collaborate with 87 training supervisors across the country including public universities, polytechnics and TVET training institutions.