Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the unit will also ensure there is no competition among the 1,260 TVET institutions.

This had previously led to the same courses being offered.

“Since large allocations are provided by the government, we need to ensure there is a unit that coordinates recruitment, the courses offered and learning sessions at TVET institutions.

“This will avoid any overlap and competition.

“This will also increase the marketability of TVET graduates,” he said.

Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, spoke after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of agreement to empower the development of TVET in the Ketengah region. It was signed by Kolej Ketengah Sdn Bhd with Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd and Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Zahid said the unit’s functions would be similar to the Central University Admission Unit (UPU), which coordinates admissions to public universities.

He said 13 ministries were offering TVET programmes under their respective agencies. As such, he will ensure the central TVET unit will be able to carry out its functions as soon as possible.

Zahid said the student recruitment session in July and August would be handled for a start by a secretariat managed by the human resources ministry.

He said 90% of TVET graduates obtained jobs quickly. The percentage for UniKL had reached 98%.