TVET Becomes Mainstream Option, Posts 99 Pct Employability - Fadhlina

NILAI, April 9 (Bernama) -- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is gaining wider acceptance and is no longer seen as a second option, but rather as a mainstream education pathway.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said this is evident from the rise in applications, from 28,098 in 2022 to 58,263 this year, exceeding the existing capacity of 17,912 places, reflecting growing public confidence in TVET.

“This shift in perception is driven by an increasingly dynamic global economic landscape, including the emergence of new technologies and the growing complexity of industry needs. This situation makes TVET a strategic, flexible and career-oriented education pathway for the long term.

“TVET is now seen as a backbone of the country’s economic development. Its graduates not only possess high technical skills but have also proven to be competitive at both national and international levels,” she said in her speech at the 10th Ministry of Education (MOE) Vocational College Convocation Ceremony held here today.

The convocation ceremony was conducted by zones, involving 10,808 graduates from 84 vocational colleges across 32 programmes of study.

Fadhlina added that the employability rate of TVET graduates under MOE has recorded an impressive achievement of 99 per cent, reflecting the high skill levels of students supported by an increasingly strong and comprehensive national TVET ecosystem.

“In terms of employability, TVET has achieved 99 per cent (for MOE alone), which shows that our students have reached, in my view, a very high level of skills.

“This is supported by a national TVET ecosystem that greatly assists our efforts to further strengthen TVET, in addition to industry involvement, which is considered crucial in meeting industry needs,” she said.

TVET graduates are also recognised as well-rounded and educated individuals who are capable of making a positive impact on industry and society, with the ministry committed to further strengthening TVET as a primary choice among students.

“We are no longer talking about potential, but are seeing the results. TVET students are proving their capabilities on both national and international stages, not only through technical skills, but also as holistic, educated, competitive individuals who are ready to contribute positively to industry and society,” she said.

She said appreciation is also extended to the ministry’s TVET division, lecturers and industry players who play an important role in developing local talent and skills.

According to her, these continuous efforts will help ensure that the country’s development continues to be driven by a highly skilled and competitive domestic workforce.

-- BERNAMA