James Kon
Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) is set to introduce the innovation IBTE HNTec Construction and Draughting (Dual TVET) Programme in the near future.
The programme is one of the many initiatives by the Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC) Construction that combines the needs of and feedback from the construction industry, as well as the needs of regulators to upgrade and improve learning programmes.
This latest IBTE offering to meet the demands of the construction industry and help boost local employment was yesterday highlighted by Permanent Secretary (Infrastructure, Housing and Professional) at the Ministry of Development Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Zakaria at the opening of the Construction Industry Job Marketplace 2.0, at the Ministry of Development (MoD).
Minister of Development cum guest of honour Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar launched the event, organised by the MISC Construction.
Forty-seven companies and agencies are offering over 250 job vacancies in the construction sector and general positions at the two-day event.
Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin said, “Alhamdulillah, with the support, dedication and hard work of all involved, particularly IBTE, the HNTec Construction and Draughting (Dual TVET) Programme received approval by the Ministry of Education (MoE) early this year. I understand the first intake will be in July 2021,” he said.
“Feedback from the industry and employers suggested exposure to employment from the very beginning is crucial. Therefore, from the first week of the school term, students will be placed in a participating construction company for two years. The attachment will expose students to the construction industry, helping them gain skills and experience from early on.”
The programme hopes to meet the needs of the construction sector, whereby MISC has identified that among the top 10 positions are a resident technical officer (RTOf), site staff, company site representative, draftsperson and assistant safety coordinator.
“MISC Construction continues to conduct planning and activities to provide locals employment opportunities in the construction industry, especially for the Top 10 positions, which can be made into a career. The positions include carpentry, aircon technician, HGV drivers, plumbing, building electrician, scaffolding, health and safety officers,” he said.
MISC will also launch the second intake for the ARMECS bridging programme in April. Feedback from the first ARMECS bridging programme was very encouraging and several companies have already signed up for the ARMECS bridging programme 2.0.”
The launch began with the minister leading a tree planting. In total, 55 tree seedlings were planted.
Graduates and jobseekers are invited to attend the Construction Industry Job Marketplace 2.0, which runs from 1pm to 5pm
For further information, visit mod.gov.bn/misc or via the link provided on Instagram @misc.construction.