ATDC’s Training Programme Proves Handy In Tackling Unemployment Issue

Bandar Seri Begawan – The famous Chinese philosopher, Confucius, once said that “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”; this is Adinin Training and Development Centre Sdn Bhd’s (ATDC) inspiration in helping to address the country’s unemployment issue.

Unemployment is a common concern for many countries, both the developed and developing countries. Those who finish college are also not excluded from experiencing difficulty in applying for jobs.

In August 2009, ATDC launched its Youth Programme, which was aimed at training an initial batch of 12 unemployed youths (based on the Labour Department’s roster) on lifting and hoisting by giving them a three-month attachment with partner companies, who eventually employed them.

With the support of HSBC, Labour Department, Ministry of Home Affairs and eight contractors from Kuala Belait and Seria (AWE, HAS, MOC, Megalift, Swiber, Sea Drill, Sahid and Jasra), all 12 youth participants completed the training on Rigging and Slinging, Fork Lift Truck Driving and Banksman Level 1 between October 2009 and March 2010.

The three mentioned skills are highly in demand with the BSP contractors in KB and Seria.

All the participants had their attachment experience with one of the contractors and were offered employment although only nine accepted the job offers. The other three opted to work with other companies.

The contractors provided generally positive feedback where most contractors agreed that the participants were able to perform multi-tasks although Vijal, a supervisor from Megalift said, “Some lack confidence but that can be enhanced by exposure to more field assignments.”

The contractors added that despite their young age, most participants have already shown positive work attitude, willingness to learn, politeness, ability to work with minimal supervision and punctuality.

The closing ceremony, which was held last April 25 at Plaza Sutera Biru, Kuala Belait was attended by nearly 70 representatives from the Labour Department, HSBC, Adinin Group of Companies, Seria and KB contractors including the youth participants and their families.

Adinin Group Chairman, Hj Adnin bin Pehin Dato Hj Ibrahim and Labour Department Commissioner, Puan Datin Hjh Rosliah bte Hj Hasbollah, acknowledged ATDC’s efforts in coordination with Labour Department and HSBC in helping to address the unemployment problem in Brunei and to prove that private companies can assist the government and the country in training and finding jobs for unemployed youths.– Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin