Govt-funded scheme to help retrenched staff rejoin workforce showing potential

The online programme holds much potential in raising worker employability in sectors such as small and medium scale enterprises through technological skills and fourth industrial revolution components needed in the new digital age, GKK Consultants Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer, Gajendra Balasingham, said.

Although launched just a few weeks ago, the programme has enhanced the marketability skills of workers laid off during the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

New skills covering knowledge on IR4 components, updated mindsets, problem-solving capabilities coupled with enhanced tech skills are covered in GKK's training modules specially for retrenched personnel.

"With the Government's funding through the SOCSO or PERKESO-Employee Insurance Scheme (EIS) sponsored training programmes, it has become even more popular and highly sought-after," he told Bernama here today.

"Especially suited for those who had worked in call centres and the service sectors, this programme stands to help retrenched workers re-join the workforce.

"We can definitely repurpose these workers, deploy them into the same or different sectors. They may be retrenched but it does not mean they are redundant, and a transformation is needed, both mentally and emotionally," he said.

Gajendra said the programme by GKK, a Malaysian consultancy in human resource training with offices in seven ASEAN countries, was ready to go into full swing.

Participants have to have been retrenched and have applied for EIS aid, with the age group ideally between 30 and 45 years old.

They would need to select the course they wish to sit for, but GKK consultants will guide them on the suitability of courses, based on their industry competence and future plans for their careers.

Gajendra said: "It is estimated that RM63 billion has been lost during these three months of complete lockdown, with a daily average of RM2.4 billion lost daily.

"Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been badly hit, likewise those in the hospitality and tourism industries, with a domino effect on many other industries.

"As the situation starts to recover, albeit rather slowly, employees have to work hand-in-hand with employers.

'Employers want to hire those who can complement tech knowledge and can contribute to digital transformation. With good communication and soft skills, they stand a better chance to be reemployed, too.

"They have to brace themselves to accept a pay cut in their new jobs. If they can survive for the next few years, with a renewed set of operations, coupled with stronger digital presence and implementation, they stand to emerge much stronger and be able to take on the various business challenges," he said.