McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Academy Provides Access To Relevant Education, Empowers National TVET Agenda

SHAH ALAM, June 30 (Bernama) -- The McDonald’s Malaysia Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, which provides access to relevant and marketable education to the young generation, is in line with the National Dual Training System (SLDN) introduced by the government.

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang said through the programme,. Form Three graduates have the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications such as the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) or Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (DLKM), while continuing their studies without any financial burden.

She said that since the academy’s establishment in 2018, it has produced more than 5,000 graduates, with over 80 per cent employed within  McDonald’s Malaysia’s nationwide network, while the remaining graduates have pursued opportunities with other companies, continued their studies, or ventured into entrepreneurship.

 “This is clear evidence of the success of the government-industry collaboration model, in line with the country’s aspiration to produce skilled, quality and competitive human capital.

“This approach is also in line with the government’s goal of ensuring that every young person has access to relevant and marketable education and at the same time strengthening the network of collaboration between training institutions and industry,” she said.

She said this when speaking at the Fifth Convocation Ceremony of the McDonald’s Vocational Academy, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh and McDonald’s Malaysia managing director and local operating partner, Datuk Azmir Jaafar.

Rubiah also called for more companies and employers to come forward and play a bigger role in supporting the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, whether through apprenticeship programmes, investment in corporate academies, or technology transfer initiatives.

She said that an inclusive and sustainable collaboration model between the government, training institutions, and industry players is crucial to ensuring not only an adequate workforce but one that is truly prepared to meet the demands of the future economy.

"As of 2024, the employability rate of TVET graduates has reached 95.1 per cent, and this proves that this path is increasingly gaining ground among employers," she said.

At a press conference afterwards, Rubiah said that while the government aims for a 100 per cent marketability rate for TVET graduates, it remains a challenging target as not all graduates choose to enter the workforce immediately after completing their studies.

Some, she noted, prefer to pursue further education or venture into entrepreneurship by starting their own businesses.

She explained that while KKDW’s goal is to maximise the employability of TVET graduates, it also recognises the diverse opportunities available to skills institution alumni, which include continuing their studies or becoming entrepreneurs.

“Our target is indeed to achieve 100 per cent, but we are aware that TVET institutions under KKDW  only achieve 98.8 per cent, especially at UniKL. It is important to understand ​​​​​that not all graduates enter the job market right after graduating,” she said.

Meanwhile, Azmir said that throughout the 18-month study period,  apprentices at the academy are fully sponsored by McDonald’s Malaysia, covering monthly allowance, accommodation, meals, insurance and medical benefits, as well as contributions to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

On average, McDonald’s Malaysia invested about RM40,000 per apprentice for the programme, and importantly, graduates are not bound by any service contract after graduation.

“We are also collaborating with the State Islamic Religious Council and reaching out to villages to identify asnaf and orphans, providing them with opportunities to enhance their personal and career potential.

“Those selected for the programme will receive a monthly allowance of RM1,700, in line with the minimum wage set by the government," he said. 

-- BERNAMA