Young people have been urged to continue their studies at industrial training institutes (ITIs) in order to enhance human resource professionalism in the skills and technical fields in the country.

Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran said in order to encourage youths to enter these institutes, the ministry will forge collaborations with developed countries to enable them (the young ITI leavers) to further their studies in these countries.

“I have been visiting the institutes all over the country, and I find participation of young people in these institutes is still lacking, if there are 100 places in one ITI, only 60 places are occupied, while the courses offered are not ordinary courses including refrigeration and air conditioning, welding, printing and so on.

“So in an effort to raise the standard of ITIs and change the community's mentality to these institutions, we have to work with developed countries including France, Germany, India, New Zealand, Australia and Japan,” he said at the 4th World Saiva Conference here today..

Commenting further, Kulasegaran said that when young people are trained in the field of technical and professional skills, it also can improve the technology in the country, including enhancing job opportunities.

“These students can learn while working when there is collaboration with developed countries as well as increase their income,” he said.

- Bernama