KUCHING: Sarawak has taken another step towards strengthening inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (OKU) following the successful completion of its first Basic Job Coach Training programme.
The three-day programme, held from May 27 to 29 at Kuching Life Care Society, gathered participants from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), educational institutions, disability service providers and community organisations.
Officiating at the closing ceremony, Disability Services Division of Social Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak, principal assistant director Khoiriyah Cholil Purnomo said Job Coaches play a crucial role in supporting persons with disabilities.
“Job Coaches play a vital role in bridging the gap between persons with disabilities and employers. They provide guidance, workplace support and encouragement that enable OKU individuals to achieve greater independence and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
She said this in her speech at the first Basic Job Coach Training programme at Kuching Lifecare Society here last Friday.
She added that greater public participation in Job Coach training programmes would help build a more inclusive workforce while expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout Sarawak.
According to Khoiriyah, the programme reflects the success of nearly two years of collaboration between JKM Sarawak and the Trainer and Job Coach Association of Kuching Division (PJPP).
“After two years of planning, engagement and advocacy, we are pleased to see the successful implementation of this first training session. This achievement demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and community partners,” she added.
Organised by PJPP through a grant funded by JKM Malaysia, the training equipped participants with competencies including workplace assessment, job matching, employer engagement and employment retention support.
Meanwhile, PJPP president Kathy Goh thanked participants for their commitment and emphasised the association’s mission to strengthen Sarawak’s Job Coach ecosystem through professional development and stakeholder collaboration.
She said demand for employment support services continues to increase, making the development of qualified Job Coaches essential for assisting persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Participants who completed the programme will join a growing network of trained Job Coaches, with JKM Sarawak continuing to facilitate employment support services based on community needs.
PJPP also expressed appreciation to JKM Sarawak, trainers Dr Pang JC and Yeong Moh Foong, participating organisations, volunteers and supporters for contributing to the programme’s success.
Following the completion of the inaugural session, JKM Sarawak and PJPP plan to organise additional Job Coach Training programmes to expand the availability of qualified Job Coaches across the state.
