Skills needed in Malaysia cover both white-collar and blue-collar positions. Published reports show that there is a skills shortage in almost every industry, and the shortage is not limited to technical skills. Critical sectors of the economy such as the construction and oil and gas industries have all lamented the shortage of skills and how the absence of skilled workforce impeded the growth of these sectors. Reports emanating from different sectors of the economy have identified shortages in a number of areas. They identify a general shortage in ICT and knowledge workers to meet the extensive computerisation of work processes. There is a shortage also in skilled individuals to meet the needs of emerging technologies such as computerised animation and 3-D printing. The construction sector is in need of building trades, particularly welders. In the education sector, there is an immediate need for early childhood teachers and child care personnel.
Over and above specific skills, employers have regularly complained about the lack of soft skills, language skills and attitudinal disorientation of employees, even those graduating with degrees and diplomas.
Entrepreneurial drive among youth also seems to be scarce with relatively few individuals embarking on businesses of their own. The building of business acumen and entrepreneurial skill is therefore considered a national priority.
Based on these needs, ESPACT has developed a broad range of training programmes that are immediately available for delivery to appropriate audiences. These programmes are supported by specially written learning materials, learning outcomes and instructor's modules. New programmes are being developed and will be added to the list from time to time. Training programmes can also be customised to meet special needs of clients. The programmes available now are shown below:-
