BEAUTICIANS, hairdressers and bakers can now convert their work experience to technical certificates through practical assessments at VTAR Institute.
With the recent launch of its “Recognition of Prior Achievements” (PPA-PPT) programme, workers in these fields with at least a year of work experience no longer need to complete full courses to acquire a certificate for themselves.
Instead, they can directly obtain the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) through practical assessments based on their experience – SKM Level 1 for a year of experience, Level 2 for two years, and Level 3 for three years.
With the SKM acquired through this route, these skilled workers will be better positioned to obtain a licence to start a business, said VTAR Institute chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang.
She added that the PPA-PPT programme empowers skilled workers to provide better customer services.
“We are focusing on beauty, hairdressing and bakery because VTAR has professional teachers and special skills in these areas,” she told StarEdu.
She added that the institute – which has become one of the Practical Assessment Centres established under the Human Resources Ministry Department of Skills Development (JPK) – helps these skilled workers by assessing their expertise, matching their expertise with requirements from the JPK, arranging for an invigilator from the JPK to test the workers’ skills, and providing tuition for those who need to improve their skill sets.
“We welcome workers in the beauty, hairdressing and bakery industries to call us and make appointments to see us. Those in other states can do an online assessment before going for a physical test,” she said.
The PPA-PPT programme was launched by MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon at the institute in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, on Jan 31.
In his speech, Mah encouraged technicians in the relevant industries to actively participate in the programme and obtain professional certification to secure a brighter future and expanded opportunities.
“This programme allows more experienced practitioners to receive the recognition they deserve.
“Technicians with SKM certificates will receive formal industry recognition, proving that they are imbued with a certain level of professional knowledge and skills in the relevant fields,” he said.
Commending the institute on the initiative, Mah said VTAR has trained about 5,000 skilled workers in the areas of electronics, electrical, ST wireman, beauty, hairdressing, bakery, CNC machine, and furniture.
“VTAR is also the first technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college in the entire nation that conducts a Digitalisation in Manufacturing Automation course.
“I am heartened that VTAR has provided an alternative pathway for many students who may not be academically inclined, but display talents and interests to acquire vocational and technical skills to secure their future,” he said.
He added that the establishment of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology (TAR UMT), VTAR and TAR Education Community College (TAR EC) is a testament to MCA’s efforts to empower and enable accessibility for students, particularly those from B40 and M40 households, to pursue quality tertiary education or TVET at affordable prices.
“This year, VTAR will collaborate with Gamuda to provide free courses in the Digitisation of Construction Industrialised Building System (IBS),” he said.
On the collaboration, Tan added that students will receive theoretical instruction during the first three months at VTAR while Gamuda will be providing an RM1,500 allowance, accommodation and a laptop for students enrolled in the courses.
Also present at the launch ceremony were VTAR board of directors chairman Soon Mon Huay and VTAR director Lim Kit Siong.
