Sintok, Kedah, May 16 – The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, together with its assessment centre and training arm, Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM), today launched the #SKILLSPOWER campaign as part of its strategy to boost the construction sector’s talent pool.
Based on the theme of ‘Competent and Holistic’, #SKILLSPOWER aims to attract young Malaysians to join the construction sector by raising the profile of the industry as a rewarding, sustainable and meaningful career choice.
The launch of #SKILLSPOWER was held in conjunction with ABM Northern Region’s 8th Graduation Ceremony, with 100 construction sector workers graduating from the Construction Industry Competency Training Programme (CICTP).
“Many Malaysians often overlook the construction sector as a path towards career success. As someone deeply engaged in the construction sector, I would like urge young Malaysians to join this sector as it provides youths with not only a rewarding and stable career but the opportunity to contribute to nation-building. In fact, this industry has grown consistently over the years, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s socio-economic transformation. In 2016 alone, the country’s construction sector grew by 7.4%, showcasing its growth potential,” said Datuk Seri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, the Minister of Works, in his speech which was read by Datuk Seri Zohari Bin Haji Akob, Secretary General of the Ministry of Works
“Moreover, the Government is committed to further enhance the construction sector talent pool as part of its strategy to develop and transform the industry. Since 2015, the CIDB Act (Act 520) has mandated that all construction site supervisors and all relevant skilled construction workers be accredited, to ensure our construction industry workers are competent, productive and of high quality,” added Fadillah.
Since its establishment by CIDB Malaysia in 2010, ABM has trained over 205,710 construction workers under its CICTP of which 165,950 are for upskilling programmes while another 39,760 were youths seeking to enter the construction sector. At ABM’s Northern Region Campus alone, over 34, 265 trainees have since graduated from the programmes offered of which 6,447 were youths out of secondary school or vocational colleges, while 27,818 are personnel currently involved in the construction industry.
To ensure that trainees are given the required industry experience after completing the CICTP at ABM, CIDB Malaysia has partnered with industry players to provide career placements for the graduates. Since 2016, more than 600 graduates have received placement opportunities with the industry partners. In addition, a total of 59 industry partners have also been involved in dialogues with ABM to ensure that the programmes offered by the training centre are current and relevant to industry needs.