Giving Things Away for Free

Currently I am training a few groups of graduates for employability. Put simply they have graduated recently or some time ago, and these sessions may help them upskill and get the jobs they want.

My session relates to the 'developmental' aspects (motivation) along with another trainer who is working on their self-confidence and developing mission statements. The other (bigger) aspect is technical either on Data Analytics, Network or Cyber Security.

These programmes are FREE and fully sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education.

All good so far, sounds reasonable.. and value-adding to their CVs [a.k.a. EXPECTATION]

On the ground, and this is only the second cohort I'm handling, many are not joining (we're looking at 15% attendance, not absence yaaa) and those who joined normally do not participate. The previous attendance was a tad better but participation more or less the same. Mostly quiet non-speaking non-responsive participants I get. [a.k.a. REALITY].

Incidentally my colleague, who has done many more past sessions, have told me not to expect too much. Expect a lot of silence; expect to answer your own questions; expect non-responsiveness.

I wish I am allowed to tell them that employers will expect you to speak up and SAY SOMETHING!

Not doing anything is not an option. You can do nothing at home & not on a payroll. NooSirreeee!

When we gave away something for free, it  becomes unappreciated. These courses altogether can be easily at least RM3000 per person (between RM5000-10,000 more likely), but the participants do not see the cost that still needs to be paid for, because to them it is FREE!

We the trainers have prepared the materials and activities and yet only 1 or 2 will respond and do it. It is sad if this reflects the attitudes of today's youth.

[If I were the government, I will ask the non-attending & non-participating students to pay for all these courses because they are irresponsible Malaysians leeching on taxpayer's money]

NEVERTHELESS, I always take these as a challenge. I CAN AND WILL DO BETTER!

Thinking positive for now. It could have been the timing/ scheduling that is unsuitable; It could have been my content that needs to be more engaging; They could have received offers thus decided not to join any more sessions; or they may have been too tired after multiple long sessions.

LET'S CRACK THIS NUT! The ones who do not join, IT IS YOUR LOSS!

I WILL WORK WITH THOSE WHO ARE PRESENT AND INTERESTED.

THEY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL AND THRIVE!!!!!!!