Sagah said the programme would be open to all bachelor’s degree graduates, who could submit their applications through the Education Services Commission (SPP).

“Successful candidates will receive a two-year contract and undergo a self-funded diploma in education course at the Institute of Teacher Education.

“Upon obtaining their diploma, they will be offered a permanent teaching position subject to final screening by SPP,” he said at a press conference here today.

Sagah said interested candidates could submit their applications online via the MySPP portal, with the results to be announced in October or November, and placements targeted for November and December 2024.

Commenting on the current shortage of teachers, Sagah said Sarawak expects to be short of 2,373 teachers by Dec 31 if nothing is done.

He said 30 district education offices have vacancies, with those in Serian, Daro, Kapit, Subis, Saratok and Betong having over 100 vacancies each.

“The most teacher vacancies are for English, mathematics, moral education, preschool, Bahasa Malaysia, and remedial subjects.

“With the commission’s recruitment drive and placement of new teachers by the education ministry, we expect the shortage to be reduced to 1,130 teachers,” he said.