JPSM Sabah To Embark On O&G Training Schemes

The Sabah Department of Human Resource Development is gearing towards realising the state's aspiration of producing more skilled workers particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking to Bernama, its director Billy Yumbod said the department is entrusted by the State Government to assist in the training of youths and school leavers.

"Sabah needs to produce skilled workers for this sector as demand is expected to rise, once the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) in Kimanis is fully operational in 2013," he said, adding the terminal will need some 4,000 workers.

The country's O&G sector will need over 40,000 skilled workers by 2015, and its rapid development in the state is very much dependent on a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, he said.

"We will be submitting a comprehensive working paper to the Ministry of Human Resource and Information Technology for endorsement and approval from the Chief Minister to our request for an allocation to realise our objective," he said.

The working paper will also include the department's long-term plan to have its own oil and gas academy in collaboration with a private institution, he said.

JPSM's programmes currently focus on industrial training, hotel operations and management, and beauty care.

"The state has set aside millions in allocation for training programmes, we hope to be able to get some of the total allocation for this purpose," he said.

In the 2013 Budget, special attention is given to human capital and ICT development, with RM261.27 million allocated for training programmes for all levels of society, especially youths.