Uni Grads Competing With Spm Diploma Holders For Jobs Shafie

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University graduates are competing with diploma and SPM holders for lower qualification jobs as the number of skilled positions dropped drastically since last year, said Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He urged the government to address this underemployment issue immediately, warning that it can derail national economic recovery efforts.
“In 2020, the record showed there were 260,701 graduates ready to step into the job market.
“But, the number of available jobs according to their qualifications in the country was 73,000, dropped 31,000 from the previous year.
“This led more university graduates to obtain jobs that are below their qualifications,” he said in a statement today.
Shafie (above) explained the situation also impacts the marketability of SPM and diploma graduates as they are forced to compete with degree holders.
“The impact of this underemployment is huge considering it touches on the marketability of the B40 group who have lower education to obtain jobs,” Shafie said.


The Semporna MP added there were 1.89 million university graduates working in semi-skilled or unskilled sectors last year, accounting for more than one-third of all workers with a university degree.
“This means in 2020, 1.89 million jobs that should have been reserved for SPM and diploma holders were filled by university graduates who are underemployed.
“This situation shows there is a huge mismatching gap in our county’s job market,” he said.
He urged the government to create more jobs for university graduates, saying it will balance the country’s job market and treat the B40 group fairly.
This will prevent more of the B40 from being squeezed out of jobs, he added.

“For this purpose, it is recommended that the government prioritises the gig economy and entrepreneurship for university graduates who are looking for jobs.
“In addition to that, they should also be offered contractual jobs with government agencies and GLCs.
“These are effective ways to enable them to overcome life challenges during the pandemic,” Shafie said. - Mkini

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