BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MORE National Service Scheme (PKBN) graduates have signed up for government-sponsored tuition classes to get the qualifications required to enlist in the military.

According to PKBN Director Colonel (Rtd) Pg Zulkifli Pg Hj Ismail, over 80 people have registered for the tuition classes, which are scheduled to start next January, as part of the government’s efforts to boost the employability prospects of former trainees.

It was reported at the first PKBN March Competition in June that 61 graduates were keen to attend the tuition classes.

“After the trainees leave PKBN following three months of training, many of them want to join the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). Unfortunately, some of them don’t meet the criteria to enlist as the military requires two O Levels,” said the director.

Colonel (Rtd) Pg Zulkifli explained that optional tuition classes will be provided for PKBN graduates who lack the academic qualifications to enlist in the armed forces.

Discussions have also taken place between PKBN and RBAF to look into the possibility of prioritising the recruitment of former trainees. “Whoever completed the PKBN training, we want them to be given priority to join the military,” he said.

The director added that PKBN will prepare its former trainees for recruitment by ensuring they meet the academic, physical and medical criteria listed by the RBAF.

“We are also looking to arrange opportunities for PKBN graduates to continue their studies. For those who do not have O Levels, they were given chances to attend tuition. Once they get O Levels, they can go for A Levels if they want to,” he said.

He said they were mulling over the proposal to offer technical and vocational training for former trainees to help them gain employment.

The Brunei Times