Morshidi (seated centre) in a group photo with representatives of GETS partner companies and interns of GETS.
KUCHING: A total of 48 diploma and degree holders will be the first batch to undergo a 12-month internship with partner companies under the Graduate Enhancement Training Sarawak (GETS).
State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the internship programme, launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem in early March, is to improve and upgrade the skills of graduates in order to enhance their employability.
“Today we see the fruit of a government’s initiative to help unemployed graduates get ready for the industry with real time training by being attached to GETS partner companies,” he said.
“The state government would be spending RM60 million over three years to get as many unemployed graduates to undergo internship,” he added.
Morshidi highlighted this at a ceremony to present letters of appointment to 32 GETS partner companies as well as handing over of interns to them at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
He reminded the candidates that they must be proactive, work hard and put efforts to show their ability, capability and skills that they can do their job well as there is possibility that their internship can turn to a job offer.
“The participating companies will send us reports on interns’ progress and performance from time to time before a full appraisal of each intern is submitted upon completion of the 12-month training,” he said.
“At the end of the attachment, it is hoped that interns will get offer from the companies but if you don’t, do not be discouraged as there will be many opportunities out there more so with the skills and knowledge obtained,” he said.
Morshidi thanked all the GETS partner companies for working hand-in-hand with the government especially in the development of fresh graduates to ensure they can be part of the productive workforce and contribute towards the progress of Sarawak.
“I hope you will spread the word so that more companies will join us in this meaningful initiative for the betterment of our workforce,” he added.
The GETS partner companies are Cahya Mata Sarawak Sdn Bhd, Senari Machinery Sdn Bhd, Alianza Niaga (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, Duta Jasa Sdn Bhd, HSMC Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Cahaya Intensif Sdn Bhd, I-Ilham Corporation Sdn Bhd, AirAsia Berhad, Sara Resorts Management Sdn Bhd, Sarakoppes Sdn Bhd, HMN Nadhir Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Pro Belia Innovatif Sarawak Berhad, Public Medicare Group Sdn Bhd, Permodalan Satok Berhad, Infinity Management Consultants, Ladang Merakai Sdn Bhd, Standard Engineers Sdn Bhd, Water Genesis Sdn Bhd, Samasa Press Sdn Bhd, Kejuruteraamn Suria Pertama Sdn Bhd, Transnational Insurance Brokers (M) Sdn Bhd, EPRC (Kuching) Sdn Bhd, Sedidik Sdn Bhd, Pelita Holdings Sdn Bhd, Sun Edison Sdn Bhd, Sribima Group of Companies, Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd, University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS), Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd, Borneo Assets Sdn Bhd, Sacofa Sdn Bhd, and Salift Engineering Supplies Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, interns will receive a minimum monthly training allowance of RM1,000 (degree holder) and RM800 (diploma holder) from the partner companies.
Interns can exit the programme earlier upon getting full-time employment and the allowance will be discontinued.