Job market boost for fresh graduates

Industry-centric skilling to increase employability

Fresh graduates in the field of Information Technology and Computer Studies have the opportunity of a lifetime to boost their employability by joining the Graduate Employability Management Scheme (GEMS-SSO) programme.

The GEMS-SSO programme created by Outsourcing Malaysia, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Talent Corporation (TalentCorp) aims to provide fresh graduates and final year students from local universities with training in critical areas like Human Resources and Finance for the purposes of better employment opportunities and a shorter wait time before getting a job.

A collaboration among Outsourcing Malaysia, a chapter of The National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), University Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Multimedia University Malaysia (MMU) and University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) has just resulted in the graduation of some 20 students from the most recent intake of the GEM-SSO Programme.

During the 10 to 12 day GEM-SSO programme, students received intensive training in HR and Finance, which will enable them to sit for the globally-recognised Certified Outsourcing Specialist IAOP certification examination. Upon successful completion of the programme and the examination, students will be conducting their internship with a GBS (Global Business Services) company for a period not less than 10 weeks and not exceeding 24 weeks. The programme is fully funded by TalentCorp. The selection of HR and Finance stems from the high demand for individuals with the set of qualifications that would fit the needs of the industry.

Since the start of the programme in 2014, 250 final year university students have participated and successfully completed the training and interned in companies like AirAsia, Sime Darby and other high profile companies in Malaysia.

Graduate Employability Management Scheme (GEMS)

Essentially an employability boot camp, this programme is designed to help employers looking for work-ready graduates with relevant skills and capabilities in different industries and an access to a diverse pool of talent. It also helps graduates gain skills and experiences demanded by leading employers and increase their chances of getting a suitable job in the near future.

To qualify for this programme, students need the following:

• Malaysian citizen
• Under 27 years of age
• Holder of a Bachelor's degree or a final year student from public or private universities
• Fresh graduate seeking employment within one year of graduation
• Have not participated in any government funded programmes like SL1M, SL1M-Green, Bank Negara Graduates Programme, etc.

Besides the provision of specific training and exposure to industry requirements, the programme covers the following areas: oil and gas, ICT, electrical and electronics, telecommunications, accounting, shared services and outsourcing, entrepreneurship, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) and hospitality.