The Aptk Card: Brunei's Innovative Payment Solution

The APTK card, or Agensi Pekerjaan Tempatan Dan Pembangunan Tenaga, is a card offered by the Job Centre Brunei. It provides short courses for unemployed residents who want to improve their skills in restaurant service or kitchen preparation. The IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism in Brunei also offers practical courses and real-life attachment programmes to give students a head start in their careers. The school has 11 industry partners who actively participate in their programmes and courses.

APTK's role in the IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism

The Continuous Education Training (CET) or Job Centre Brunei (Agensi Pekerjaan Tempatan Dan Pembangunan Tenaga, APTK) is a programme offered by the IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism. The programme offers short courses for unemployed residents who want to improve their skills in restaurant service or kitchen preparation. The school also offers three courses related to the catering industry: HNTec in Hospitality Operations, NTec in Culinary Operations, and NTec Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery and Services. These programmes aim to enhance students' food and beverage knowledge, refine their food preparation and restaurant service skills, and expand their expertise in areas such as barista, pastry, and bakery.

The IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism is dedicated to producing a highly skilled and professional workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector to meet Brunei Darussalam's human resource development needs in support of Vision 2035. The school has a competent faculty and is committed to providing quality teaching by incorporating student-centred learning. It also collaborates closely with the industry to ensure that its curriculum meets industry standards and requirements.

The school offers a range of programmes that give priority to enhancing students' knowledge and skills, refining their skills, and developing their expertise in training related to the hospitality and tourism sectors. These programmes include HNTec in Hospitality Operations, HNTec in Tourism Operations, NTec Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery and Services, NTec in Culinary Operations, and NTec in Hotel and Business Tourism.

The school also operates a Longhouse Training Restaurant, which is open to the public and provides a fully operational kitchen that mimics the restaurant industry to give students real-life experience. The restaurant allows students to gain practical experience by engaging with real customers, and it has received a great deal of public attention and support, raising awareness of the school's training facilities.

In addition to its academic programmes, the IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism also offers industry collaborations and engagement opportunities. The private sector can engage with students by collaborating on one-off projects and events. For example, Brunei Halal approached the school to promote their products by having students cook and create dishes from their menu at the Longhouse Restaurant. The school also has 11 industry partners who actively participate in its programmes and courses.

APTK's involvement in the SugarBun Seria Branch opening

APTK, or Agensi Pekerjaan Tempatan dan Pembangunan Tenaga Kerja, was involved in the opening of the SugarBun Seria Branch in Brunei. The fast-food restaurant chain hired five staff from APTK for the new outlet, which opened on Sunday, June 14, 2015, in Seria Town. The new branch has different seating areas, including hip cafe-style seats near the door, and can accommodate approximately 80 customers.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by the company owner, Ms. Chan Fui Meng, and the guest of honour, Yang Berhormat Tuan Haji Harris bin Haji Othman, Belait District Officer, who gave a speech and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ms. Chan Fui Meng emphasised the company's commitment to upholding its QSCV (Quality, Service & Value for Money) and providing more job opportunities for locals, with 80% of their staff being Bruneian. SugarBun also demonstrated its support for the local community by donating a cheque to Smarter Brunei for the autism community and making a donation to the Old Folks Home.

The event featured various promotions and activities, including the "Wheel of Appreciation," a colouring contest for kids, and the giveaway of SugarBun Reward Cards to customers who spent a certain amount. The Seria Branch also offered special promotions for the Holy Month of Ramadhan and Hari Raya celebrations.

APTK's function in the JobCentre Brunei

The APTK card, or Agensi Pekerjaan Tempatan dan Pembangunan Tenaga Kerja, is a local employment card in Brunei. JobCentre Brunei (JCB) is a "One-Stop Career Centre" that offers a range of services to both local job seekers and private companies. JCB assists local job seekers in improving their employability and marketability in the job market, while also providing facilities for private companies to use for their local recruitment processes.

JCB offers a multitude of services to cater to the employment and recruitment needs of both job seekers and employers. These services include:

• Job Application Adverts via the JCB Portal: The JCB Portal serves as a platform for job seekers to search and apply for jobs, and for employers to advertise job vacancies.
• Walk-In Interviews: JCB organises walk-in interview events, where job seekers can attend interviews with participating companies without prior registration.
• I-Ready Apprenticeship Program: The i-Ready program is an 18-month apprenticeship program that exposes new graduates and unemployed job seekers to various industries in both the public and private sectors.
• Job Matching Facilities: JCB provides job matching services to connect job seekers with suitable employment opportunities based on their qualifications and experience.
• CV Clinic and Interview Tips: JCB offers guidance and resources to help job seekers improve their CVs and prepare for job interviews.
• Outreach Programs: JCB conducts outreach programs such as mukim connect and institution engagements to reach out to job seekers and provide them with information and support.

In addition to these services, JCB also provides physical facilities that can be reserved by companies for recruitment purposes. These facilities include interview rooms and a multi-purpose room. JCB's website also allows job seekers to upload their cover letters, CVs, and other relevant details, making it easier for companies to search, review, and evaluate potential candidates.

JCB has been successful in facilitating employment for local job seekers, with over 3,000 locals being successfully hired through their services since the beginning of 2020. The organisation actively works with private sector companies to meet their manpower needs and has been well-received by both job seekers and employers.

APTK's place in the Continuous Education Training (CET)

APTK, or Agensi Pekerjaan Tempatan Dan Pembangunan Tenaga, is an integral part of the Continuous Education Training (CET) programme in Brunei. The APTK is responsible for coordinating short courses for unemployed residents who wish to upgrade their skills in the F&B industry, specifically in restaurant service and kitchen preparation. These courses are designed to provide practical knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability and help them secure jobs in the industry.

The APTK's role in the CET programme is crucial as it bridges the gap between education and employment for individuals seeking careers in the F&B sector. By offering short, focused training programmes, the APTK ensures that participants gain industry-relevant skills and knowledge. This approach not only benefits the trainees but also supports the local F&B industry by creating a skilled workforce.

The practical nature of the courses offered by the APTK is a key advantage for trainees. For example, the IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism, which collaborates with the APTK, runs a training restaurant called the Longhouse Training Restaurant. This fully operational kitchen provides students with real-life experience in a restaurant setting, allowing them to interact with actual customers. Such initiatives ensure that trainees are well-prepared for the demands of the F&B industry and can hit the ground running when they enter the job market.

The APTK's involvement in the CET programme extends beyond just training. It also facilitates industry partnerships and collaborations, creating a network of support for trainees. For instance, the IBTE School has 11 industry partners actively participating in their programmes and courses. These partnerships provide opportunities for trainees to gain insights, mentorship, and even employment within the industry.

Overall, the APTK plays a pivotal role in the CET programme by offering specialised short courses, coordinating industry collaborations, and providing practical training environments. This holistic approach ensures that trainees are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections necessary to succeed in the F&B sector, thereby contributing to the development of Brunei's local economy.

APTK's collaboration with the private sector

APTK cards, or Agensi Pekerjaan Tempatan dan Pembangunan Tenaga Kerja cards, are issued by JobCentre Brunei. The centre acts as a ''One-Stop Career Centre' for local job seekers and employers in the private sector, providing various employment services, including training for job seekers, local workers, and businesses.

JobCentre Brunei offers a range of services to facilitate employment and recruitment opportunities. These include job application advertisements, walk-in interviews, an i-Ready apprenticeship program, job-matching facilities, CV clinics, and interview tips. The centre also provides outreach programs such as mukim connect and institution engagements.

The i-Ready apprenticeship program is an 18-month platform designed to expose new graduates and unemployed job seekers to various industries, including both the public and private sectors. This program allows individuals to gain experience and develop skills that will enhance their employability.

JobCentre Brunei also provides facilities such as interview rooms and a multi-purpose room, which can be reserved by sending a formal email or contacting their landline.

Overall, the centre plays a crucial role in connecting local job seekers with employers in the private sector, fostering economic growth, and supporting the development of a skilled workforce in Brunei.

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