In order to address the shortage of technical talents in Industry, Penang STEM is planning to launch a new technical talent pipeline development program – Technical Skill Learning (TSL) which is aimed at providing basic technical skills learning for students in Form 4 and Form 5.

This will offer schools and students options to participate in structured programs for Mechatronics, Machining and Electrical & Electronics.

Training will be conducted in selected schools by trainers from accredited technical institutions based on the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) set by the Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) under the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR)

Participating students will obtain greater awareness and early starts towards technical education and careers as this program is targeted to lead them towards post-SPM work-study options in Industry with regular income.

TSL, hence, aims to help increase the flow of technical talents from high schools through technical institutions to Industry.

The program is expected to be launched for the next school academic year, subject to approval of federal funding under the 2025 national budget.

As part of the groundwork, a Sesi Libat Urus (SLU) was jointly organised by Penang STEM and Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri (JPN) Pulau Pinang and hosted by Japan Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI) on 22^nd October 2024 to offer principals and corporates a better understanding of the program.

The event was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister II, YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo and JPN Deputy Director (Education) *Name* and attended by JPN senior officials, more than 130 school principals/senior assistants and 20 Industry representatives.

Industry corporates interested to participate in this TSL program can reach out for more information through corporate@penangstem.com