Employment and Career Development of Persons with Disabilities: Challenges and Obstacles

Abstract

Creating job opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) is among the issues that draw attention in the Malaysian labour market. This tracer study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of a vocational training centre under the jurisdiction of the Social Welfare Department (JKM). This centre is responsible for providing training and industrial skills for the disabled in accordance with their physical capabilities. This article focuses on the obstacles and challenges faced by ex-trainees of this training centre in employment and career development. The research employed a case study design which involved the Vocational Training Center (VTC). The findings were analyzed based on qualitative and quantitative data obtained from 323 former trainees. The findings show that 48% of the ex-trainees are jobless. One of the factors is that they do not have the confidence to work. Among other reasons were unrecognized certificates awarded by the training centre, the stigma against disabled people, lack of mobility and a non-conducive working environment.