IPOH: The Higher Education Ministry will strengthen work-based learning courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir today said: "We are adopting a new approach in our education system by re-elevating the status of technical education."
He said the ministry would now give equal priority to technical fields.
He said this after launching the Nexus Polycc Industry Programme (Index Polycc) at Politeknik Ungku Omar here.
Work-based learning allow polytechnic and community college lecturers and students to benefit from industry-relevant programmes and industrial training, which would boost students' employability, he said.
Zambry said Index Polycc enabled industry participants to teach at TVET institutions, particularly polytechnics.
Index Polycc would also give more time for students' practical training outside campus.
"We have started work-based learning at several universities (UTHM, UTeM, UniMAP, and UMP).
"We are also implementing it at polytechnics, such as Politeknik Ungku Omar.
"This means that in a three-year course, two years will be spent on campus and one year will be in spent on the premises of industry partners."