Over 87 Pct Of TVET Students Unaware Of Degree-level Pathway - FINCO

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- A total of 87.7 per cent of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students surveyed were unaware that TVET programmes offer qualifications up to the degree level, according to a report by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO).

In a statement today, FINCO said the report which gathered responses from 1,299 respondents, also found that 96 per cent were unaware of the full range of TVET qualifications available, with the majority believing that TVET only offered qualifications up to Certificate or Diploma level.

The statement noted that despite their vocational nature, subjects such as accounting, journalism and nursing are often not identified as TVET subjects, possibly due to their higher perceived status compared to professions typically seen as more manual in nature.

"The report, which was informed by 1,299 respondents spanning four key demographics, namely general public and youth with no TVET experience; current TVET students; TVET graduates and employers.

"It also found that while 45 per cent of youths surveyed have a positive perception of TVET, only 35 per cent of them would choose to pursue a TVET pathway," the statement said.

It added that while TVET continued to be perceived by some as a less valuable educational path, the report found that perceptions of TVET graduates' employability tend to correlate with the level of familiarity or direct experience respondents have with the system.

"Those with closer exposure to TVET tend to hold more positive views of its relevance to the job market, and these groups are uniquely positioned to increase public awareness of its high return on investment, given the significant role social influence plays in chosen educational pathways," FINCO said. 

The report also highlighted that TVET graduates were in demand in sectors where company policies were not a barrier, with 82 per cent of employers who had previously hired them reporting that those individuals had possessed at least some to most of the essential skills and knowledge needed for their roles.

Despite positive steps in aligning TVET curricula with occupational standards, issues with skills and quality gaps persist, as found by the Ministry of Higher Education last year, that 70 per cent of graduates were mismatched and 43 per cent were not working in their trained field.

"Closer collaboration between educators and employers will not just contribute to improving the general public’s perception of TVET, it will also better prepare students for the workforce," the statement said. 

Meanwhile, FINCO Chief Executive Officer Clare Walker in the same statement said the organisation’s goal of supporting future-ready students was aligned with the National TVET Policy 2030, which aims to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge before they enter the workforce.

“So it is crucial for us to understand the barriers to TVET's popularity and momentum to better guide school students in making informed career pathway decisions.

“Our hope is that the insights from this report will not just inform the work that we carry out in schools with the support of the Ministry of Education Malaysia, but also contribute to supporting educators, training institutions, employers, policymakers and other stakeholders involved in the education sector,” she said.

For FINCO's Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim, TVET is not only about equipping young people with technical skills, but it was about shaping a generation that could drive Malaysia's future economy.

He noted that by supporting FINCO in its efforts to provide students with the relevant knowledge and skills to select the right career pathways for themselves, including TVET pathways, the financial industry could directly contribute to cultivating a skilled workforce that would strengthen businesses and create long-term stability.

The full report can be accessed on FINCO's website at www.finco.my/reports.

FINCO is a collaborative initiative pioneered by financial institutions in Malaysia, with the guidance of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals.

-- BERNAMA