SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 — Twenty-four disabled graduates have been shortlisted as qualified candidates to be matched with job opportunities through the Pilot Project for Professional Graduate Placement Support for Disabled Persons (BRIDGE-OKU Professional).
Selangor Disabled Persons Action Council (MTOS) chairman Danial Al-Rashid Haron said the 24 candidates were selected from 30 participants who took part in the programme in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The selection was based on qualifications and educational backgrounds, with candidates holding qualifications ranging from the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) at diploma level to diplomas and degrees in various fields.
“Of the 24 participants, we intend to initially place perhaps only 10 as a starting point or pilot for the BRIDGE-OKU Professional programme in collaboration with UPM.
“So far, we have 15 subsidiary companies that have expressed interest and will review the list of candidates before making selections based on available vacancies and the candidates’ educational backgrounds and qualifications,” he told Media Selangor when contacted.
Danial added that the initial placement target is expected to be achieved before the end of this year, subject to the selection process and vacancies offered by employers.
Among the challenges commonly faced by disabled employees is a lack of workplace support systems, including from colleagues, supervisors, and human resources personnel.
“Through this programme (BRIDGE-OKU Professional), we have both fresh graduates and those who already have work experience, some of whom may not have stayed long in their previous workplaces because there was no support system,” he said.
Therefore, Danial encouraged employers to prepare in advance to understand the needs of disabled employees and provide a suitable working environment.
To ensure the placements run smoothly, UPM will also provide regular job coaching services, with monitoring carried out after participants begin working.
Meanwhile, MTOS aims to monitor disabled employees placed through the programme for up to six months to assess their ability to adapt and remain in employment.
“We will provide job coaching services with regular monitoring at the workplace, perhaps once or twice a week, to ensure that both participants and employers can provide feedback throughout the placement period,” he said.
