Eighteen students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI) have strengthened their career prospects in Malaysia’s high-technology sector after completing the first cohort of the MARA-SWITCHPRO Apprenticeship Programme.
The UniKL BMI students received employment offers from Schneider Electric Industries (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Starlite Electrical Industries Sdn Bhd and Advance Industrial Solutions Sdn Bhd, opening pathways to high-skilled careers in electrical systems, industrial automation and data centre operations.
The achievement highlights UniKL’s commitment to industry-driven technical and vocational education and training (TVET), graduate employability and work-based learning that responds directly to Malaysia’s evolving workforce needs.
The programme was highlighted during the signing of memoranda of understanding between Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and its strategic industry partners, as well as the official launch of the MARA-SWITCHPRO Apprenticeship Programme in Kuala Lumpur on 20 July 2026.
Built around the concepts of “Education with Employment” and “Training-to-Employment”, MARA-SWITCHPRO combines theoretical instruction, practical technical training, workplace learning and internationally recognised professional certification from Schneider Electric.
The structured one-year programme comprises six months of technical training followed by six months of on-the-job training with participating companies.
Through this approach, UniKL BMI students gain more than academic knowledge. They develop practical competencies, industry exposure and professional credentials that can improve their competitiveness in technology-intensive industries.
The programme also supports talent development for sectors experiencing growing demand for technically skilled employees, particularly electrical engineering, automation technologies, smart manufacturing and data centre operations.
MARA Chairman YBhg. Dato’ Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki said strategic collaboration with industry is essential to ensure that TVET graduates not only secure employment but are also rewarded with salaries that reflect their technical capabilities.
Companies participating in the programme are expected to offer successful apprentices average monthly salaries of between RM4,000 and RM5,000 after they complete the one-year apprenticeship.
The premium salary pathway demonstrates how industry-aligned TVET education, professional certification and workplace experience can create stronger employment outcomes for graduates.
Following the completion of training by the 18 participants from Cohort 1, another 22 participants are expected to begin Cohort 2 in August 2026. MARA aims to develop 200 participants through the programme over the next three years.
During the event, MARA signed memoranda of understanding with Bumi Perkasa Engineering Sdn Bhd through SIMATEC Industrial Training, Starlite Electrical Industries Sdn Bhd and Advance Industrial Solutions Sdn Bhd.
The partnerships will further strengthen talent development in electrical technologies, industrial automation and data centre operations, while expanding employment opportunities for TVET graduates.
The initiative contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by providing inclusive, industry-relevant technical education and lifelong professional skills.
It also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating pathways to skilled employment and competitive salaries, as well as SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the development of talent for automation, electrical systems and data centre technologies.
Note: This article was adapted from a news report by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
