TVET Offers Flexible Pathway To The World Of Work
THE Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathway is no longer seen as a choice specifically for academically weaker students, instead it is increasingly gaining traction among high-performing students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Strategy and Global Sustainability at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Associate Professor Dr Musthafah Mohd Tahir, said technological advancements and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have given rise to the concept of Advanced TVET, which requires students not only to excel academically but also to master technical skills and possess critical and creative thinking abilities.
“For students with strong academic capabilities, they are encouraged to complete their studies up to the SPM level to strengthen their knowledge foundation before pursuing Advanced TVET programmes.
“The combination of academic excellence and technical skills can open up opportunities for high-skilled careers and offer more competitive incomes,” he said.
He said students with good academic potential should be given the opportunity to complete their SPM first before choosing a suitable study pathway, including at universities under the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN).
He said Advanced TVET requires a strong grasp of theory, as the field demands not only technical skills but also the development of expertise and professionalism across various high-tech sectors.
At the same time, he said TVET also provides a pathway for students who are less proficient in Mathematics and Science through more practically oriented programmes such as vehicle mechanics and other technical fields.
“Those who pursue the vocational pathway still have the opportunity to continue their studies to diploma level and subsequently to higher levels.
“After entering the workforce and gaining industry experience, they can also further their studies through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) system,” he said.
Musthafah said students who choose TVET at an early stage typically have a clearer career direction compared to those following the conventional academic stream.
He said opportunities to achieve higher qualifications remain open, depending on academic achievement, industry experience and individual career progression.
“Today, there are various career opportunities in Advanced TVET fields that require high academic qualifications, including at the bachelor’s degree level, in addition to mastery of technical skills and specific professional certifications.
“For example, careers such as underwater welding not only require a solid foundation in engineering knowledge but also demand diving skills and intensive practical training.
“This shows that success in the TVET field requires a combination of academic knowledge, technical skills and extensive hands-on experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director of the Co-Curriculum Centre at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Dr Razman Hafifi Redzuan, said TVET and the academic pathway have different focuses, but both play important roles in meeting the country’s workforce needs.
He said TVET places greater emphasis on practical skills and job competencies, while universities focus on theory, critical thinking and professional development.
“This difference also influences the types of careers pursued, with TVET graduates more likely to become technicians, technologists, supervisors or entrepreneurs, while university graduates typically fill professional, management, research and academic positions,” he said.
He said a perception study conducted on 30 employers from local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) found that TVET graduates and university graduates have almost comparable capabilities, but TVET graduates stand out more in terms of readiness to enter the workforce.
However, he said TVET still faces challenges in terms of recognition equivalent to the academic pathway, particularly regarding qualification equivalency, credit transfer, and public perception that still regards TVET as a second choice.
Razman Hafifi said parents and students need to make choices based on interest, ability and career aspirations, not merely academic achievement.
“For students who aspire to become entrepreneurs or work independently, the TVET pathway from as early as 16 years old can be a suitable choice, while for those targeting professional careers and management positions, completing SPM before continuing to higher education may be more advantageous.
“If a student is weak in Mathematics and Science, it may be difficult for them to choose engineering fields, but that does not mean they are unsuitable or have failed if they choose TVET.
“This is because the field offers various programmes besides engineering, with study levels that can be adapted according to the student’s ability and interest,” he said.
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