HRDC Training Grant Guide: How to Maximise Your Training Investment

For many Malaysian employers, employee training is no longer just a cost but an essential investment in productivity, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

Fortunately, with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDC) training grant, companies can reduce training expenses while effectively upgrading employee skills. To fully maximise this scheme, employers must understand how it works and adopt the right strategies.

1. Understand the Coverage of HRDC Grants

HRDC training grants are designed to support employers in enhancing employees’ skills and capabilities. Generally, the coverage includes:

• Training course fees (In-house, Public, Online, or Seminars)
• Trainer fees (both internal and external trainers are claimable, with different limits)
• Training materials (including printed materials or training equipment)
• Allowances for meals, accommodation, and transportation of employees

By understanding the claimable items, employers can better plan training programs and ensure alignment with HRDC’s categories.

2. Choose the Right Training Programs

The true measure of training success is whether employees can apply their new knowledge at work. Not all courses yield the same results, so employers should prioritise programs that align with business needs, such as:

• Job-related courses (e.g., compliance, customer service, digital transformation)
• Future-oriented courses (e.g., e-invoicing, data analytics, HR systems)
• Customisable courses tailored to the company’s real challenges

This way, training not only enhances employee knowledge but also translates directly into workplace results.

3. Plan Ahead and Apply Early

Employers must submit applications to HRDC before training begins. Companies should prepare an annual training calendar in advance and coordinate with training providers to avoid delays.

Last-minute applications may risk rejection, while early planning gives companies more time to compare training options, allocate budgets, and negotiate with providers.

4. Work with HRDC-Registered Training Providers (AutoCount)

Only courses conducted by HRDC-registered training providers are claimable. Choosing accredited providers not only ensures compliance but also guarantees higher training quality.

Experienced providers usually assist employers with the application process, required documents, and claim submissions, reducing administrative burden. Employers must also ensure that the trainer is HRDC-accredited before submitting a claim.

5. Track and Evaluate Training Outcomes

As mentioned earlier, the true value of training lies in its impact on business performance. To help employees internalise and apply training content, employers should set clear KPIs before the program.

Such as improved efficiency, higher sales, or reduced errors, and track employee progress afterward. Evaluating results allows companies to identify the most effective programs and continuously improve their training strategy.

6. Combine Grants with Internal Development Plans

HRDC grants are most effective when integrated into a broader talent development framework. Which translates to training works best when integrated into the company’s overall talent development strategy.

For example, companies can combine grant-funded courses with internal mentorship, on-the-job training, or promotion pathways. This ensures that employees not only gain new knowledge but also apply it meaningfully in their roles.

Boost Your Training Impact

The HRDC training grant is funded by the government through a levy, where employers contribute 1% of their employees’ monthly wages and instead of being an added cost, this contribution can be fully claimed back by employers.

By leveraging HRDC grants strategically and selecting the right courses, companies can upskill employees at minimal net cost. This not only maximises training returns but also helps businesses stay competitive and future-ready in Malaysia’s dynamic market. To further support your HR and training initiatives, consider automating payroll management with HRMS Software like AutoCount HRMS.