To mark World Youth Skills Day, here’s a look at successful global TVET ecosystems and how we can do better
TECHNICAL and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a crucial role for students to transition to the workforce.
It is another pathway that reduces barriers to the workforce and provides necessary qualifications, especially for youths who may not enjoy or excel in academics.
On July 15, World Youth Skills Day will mark the importance of equipping youths with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, yet unlike countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Australia that have been successful in making TVET an appealing option for their students through a structured TVET ecosystem, industry involvement, and good pay, interest in TVET is still lacking in Malaysia.
According to the Higher Education Report: Malaysia Unesco National Commission with Policy Planning and Research Division, Higher Education Ministry, of the total enrolment rate for higher education institutions in 2021, less than 10% of youths enrolled in TVET courses.
Issues with policy and implementation, said Bumiputra Private Skills Training Institution action committee chairman Nordin Abdul Malek, have led to the country’s low TVET enrolment.
“Six months into the year yet the implementation of policies and reforms discussed during the tabling of this year’s national budget still leaves much to be desired,” he said, noting that the TVET sector received an allocation of RM6.7bil in Budget 2023.
The Auditor-General’s Report 2019 showed that the TVET aspirations of the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11) had yet to be achieved although we are already in RMK12.
The government allocated RM29.689bil to six TVET providers, namely, the Education, Higher Education, Human Resource, Rural Development, Youth and Sports, Agriculture and Food Industries, and Works Ministries in RMK11.
Nordin
The intake of TVET students between 2016 and 2020 showed a downward trend between 1.0% and 24.6%. Student enrolment in 2016 was 139,699 compared to only 99,589 students in 2020, the Auditor-General’s Report 2019 read.
The report also found weaknesses in the management of the programme in terms of its delivery and accreditation; accreditation certification; teaching staff competencies assessment; and students’ financing.
Despite the big budget allocated for TVET, Nordin said there has not been much improvement in the sector since the report was published.
“Even allocations and plans from previous TVET budgets were not fully disbursed and implemented.
“Malaysia is far behind other countries. We have a lot of catching up to do.
“Never mind the developed countries like Germany and Australia, even our neighbours like Thailand and Indonesia have better TVET ecosystems than ours,” he said.
Quoting the Unesco Institute for Statistics, Nordin said only 6.1% of youths enrolled in TVET institutions in Malaysia, compared with its neighbours Singapore (23.8%), South Korea (14.2%) and Indonesia (12.8%).
Nordin said some two-thirds of youths in Singapore enter the TVET pathway from the school level and complete their tertiary studies in it.
The reason these countries see a much higher youth enrolment in the sector is they have very clear policies on TVET.
“A lot of the industries in these countries, especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), depend on technical skills,” he said.
On top of that, TVET is not under the purview of multiple ministries, said Nordin, adding that Malaysia has 12 ministries involved in it.
Yatela
“In these countries, the norm is only for the Education and Human Resources Ministries to be involved in TVET.
“And, most use a single qualification or certification for TVET,” he said, adding that having so many ministries involved increases bureaucracy and slows down the implementation process.
“Currently, even with a national TVET council, the sector lacks direction,” he said.
It is important that we get our act together – fast – because there is a strong demand for quality TVET graduates.
Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said students Sime Darby supports under its bursary programme are in hot demand by the industry.
In fact, YSD has a 100% employment rate for all its bursary TVET graduates.
“To boost the credibility of TVET programmes, better wages should be given to TVET graduates,” she said.
YSD has provided more than RM37mil for TVET education. Since 2017, YSD has supported 1,412 talented individuals on their vocational education journeys and will commit a further RM29.7mil from 2023 to 2028 for its TVET bursary programme.
While acknowledging that TVET is under the purview of different ministries, Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said moving forward and in line with the strategy of RMK12, a TVET database is being developed to coordinate and integrate all TVET data and information comprehensively across ministries and TVET stakeholders.
“The integration of this data is very important in helping the government enact policies, make strategic plans and decisions more accurately and effectively based on facts and the production of information analysis (data driven decision making),” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Howard Lee (PH-Ipoh Timur) during the Dewan Rakyat sitting held in May and June.
In a separate parliamentary written reply to M. Kulasegaran, Sivakumar (PH-Ipoh Barat) said efforts to boost TVET’s reputation locally have been ongoing.
Among them is the National TVET Council’s decision to have memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) signed with government-linked companies (GLCs) and private companies as part of efforts to transform Malaysia’s TVET programme.
Through the MoCs, Sivakumar said the companies will play a part in the curriculum and learning material development, sharing of equipment and facilities, expert services and financing of training programmes.
For a start, he said 10 GLCs and private companies – PETRONAS, Gamuda Berhad, Sunway Services, DRB Hicom, Berjaya Corporation, Redbeat Academy Sdn Bhd (Airasia Academy), Daikin Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Bermaz Auto Berhad, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn Bhd, and Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad – have signed MoCs, with the ministry targeting to have another 50 companies on board by the end of the year.
The problem
A 2019 Unesco TVET country profile highlighted three problems with the Malaysian TVET structure, namely:
> TVET is viewed as a “last resort” choice and is considered less prestigious. This negative perception leads to minimal enrolment.
> The salaries for TVET graduates are not adequately remunerated; this is largely impacted by poor perception and social recognition of TVET.
> There is a duplication of TVET programmes offered by several ministries with little differentiation.
Realising the importance of TVET, the National TVET Council was set up in December 2020 to enhance coordination between multiple ministries and provide a connection point with industry players.
But more needs to be done to improve TVET in Malaysia. Those who do not want to pursue an academic qualification must be given quality options that can lead to rewarding careers.
In May, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek told the Dewan Rakyat that 180,680 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students from the 2021 session chose not to further their education.
And last month, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying said a total of 29,663 SPM candidates – including private candidates who registered to sit for one or two subjects only, from the total of 388,832 SPM candidates for the 2022 session – were recorded as “absent”.
Our success stories
"When I first got offered a place in the polytechnic, I was hesitant to accept it, but after research and asking for opinions, I eventually decided to pursue a TVET course. The programme prepared me very well for my work because the syllabus covered everything. The course structure was hands-on and well-balanced as I could apply what I learned instead of being stuck in textbooks. I worked as a contractor safety supervisor but I am transitioning into a new role. I have been offered many positions before I started this job. I also chose to pursue my studies in the National Institute in Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) and will continue a career in occupational safety."
Estelle Desiree Florio
Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Politeknik Kota Kinabalu Contractor Safety Supervisor for China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC)
My ambition was to be a doctor but my family was unable to afford the medical course fees. While I was doing my STPM in biochemistry, I found out about TVET courses. It was an incredible opportunity as I could get a scholarship, allowance and a guaranteed job. Through my course, I learned to treat patients and manage a clinic. This course has allowed me to pursue my ambition. Now I work as a medical assistant in a plantation clinic. It is an interesting job with many adventures and I am well remunerated and am provided accommodation benefits at my worksite.
Daarshiny Prakash Rao
Diploma in Medical Assistant, Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare College Medical Assistant Ladang Slim River Sime Darby Plantation Berhad
A global scenario
TVET is one of the most successful education programmes in Germany. Half of all school-leavers go into vocational training. The most important aspect of German vocational training is the dual vocational training model. This model is also found in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland. The dual track is where trainees undergo 70% to 75% of practical training on the job and 25% to 30% of theoretical training at a training school. The quality assurance and certification are provided by the Chambers of Commerce. Vocational training is regulated by the Vocational Training Act to consolidate training legislation for different occupations. There is also a clear and attractive pathway for TVET graduates. German industry players have a high demand for skilled TVET workers. High-performing apprentices who have trained in the industry are given priority by the company when hiring. TVET graduates who perform well can even earn more than their academic peers. There are also opportunities for TVET graduates to further their academic education as they are not limited to only vocational studies. Students given the right exposure to theoretical training and practical industry training will become apprentices adept at both technical and soft skills. The monetary reward for TVET talents are also quite attractive. German TVET students will enter the workforce debt-free because their training is paid by the training companies. Upon graduation, they can enter the workforce with a yearly salary of between €25,000 (RM126,824) and €30,000 (RM152,189).
— Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (German Dual Vocational Training) department head Michelle Abu Bakar
Switzerland’s dual vocational education is under the purview of the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI), the government’s specialised agency for matters concerning education, research and innovation policy; the cantons; and professional bodies. According to the Vocational and Professional Education and Training in Switzerland: Facts and Figures 2022 report, TVET programmes in Switzerland attract more students than universities and are the most popular form of upper secondary education and training. Two-thirds of Swiss youths, coming out of compulsory education at ages 15 and 16 enrol in TVET schools. Switzerland’s TVET training is also very profession focused, with students undergoing training for a specific profession where the quality of the training is benchmarked against the current players in the industry. Swiss professional bodies are in charge of drawing up vocational education and training curricula, qualification procedures and also creating apprentices. The private sector also determines the requirements for TVET students professional development based on the needs of the labour market. This ensures that Switzerland’s TVET programmes are streamlined with industry standards and practices. Currently, there are some 245 occupations for TVET graduates to choose from. Women who have attained qualifications from colleges of higher vocational education can earn a monthly median wage of CHF7,492 (RM39,019) while men take home CHF8722 (RM45,424). The salary for TVET graduates, however, is still lower than those graduating from universities.
— State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI)
In Australia, 44% of its residents aged 15 to 19 enrol in TVET courses, and the most prominent providers are called technical and further education (TAFE). These are governmental TVET systems, and there is a TAFE institution in every state. The TAFE course structure varies depending on whether they are entry level certificates or apprenticeships. The levels of TVET education are from Certificate I to IV. These focus on practical, industry-relevant, hands-on training, which is classroom-based with simulated practical situations. TVET qualifications are also fully permeable. Graduates of Certificate IV can choose to use the qualification to pursue a bachelor’s degree. TVET providers like TAFE Queensland work closely with the government and local industry so that the training programmes fit industry demands. TAFE Queensland in particular has almost 500 qualifications. TAFE graduates are also in hot demand by employers, with 84% of our graduates either employed or pursuing further education. TAFE graduates’ salaries for entry-level positions vary across areas and companies. On the higher end are nurses who earn about AUD$69,000 (RM214,591) per year, and on the lower end are childcare workers who are paid around AUD$53,000 (RM164,831) per year. Additionally, many occupations in areas of high demand are supported by vocational education and training qualifications in Australia. For example, there is high demand in areas of commercial cookery, childcare and nursing. Each of these roles has a clear and strong vocational education and training pathway to employment.
— TAFE Queensland International General Manager Russell McKay
TVET updates
> A policy paper will be submitted to the Cabinet soon on the upgrading Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) certification to be on par with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move is part of the government’s initiative in ensuring the marketability of students pursuing TVET in both the public and private sector.
> A new RM30mil initiative by the Higher Education Ministry will allow students to develop hands-on and critical thinking skills in dealing with local community problems. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said Semarak Siswa Madani will involve 20 public universities, 36 polytechnics and 105 community colleges, and focus on four programmes including TVET@Komuniti Madani, the provision of TVET-based services like lifelong learning, and maintenance of community buildings, residences and vehicles.
> According to a study done by the Statistics Department, popular jobs offered in the TVET category in the first quarter of 2023 were advertising and marketing professionals occupation, followed by administrative associate professionals and software developers.
> Following the huge success of the recent National Training Week (NTW) 2023, the signature annual event will be held for more than a week next year, with more free courses to benefit more people.
> The Human Resources Ministry wants to make TVET a formal education option for students after high school. Based on the National Occupational Skills Standard under the regulation of the Skills Development Department, those on the job can improve their skill levels accordingly, which is equivalent to diploma level and further, without attending university. They are trained through the Human Resources Development Corp’s (HRD Corp) system and a few other TVET institutions in the country, said ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang.
> Students with any TVET certification will have the opportunity to enrol in a diploma programme at a polytechnic, and to pursue a degree after that. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the coming months would see a special pathway being created for TVET students to continue their tertiary education. A TVET foundation centre, which would run an affordable one-year foundation programme for Form Five school-leavers, would also be set up.
> Umno Wanita chief and former higher education minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said a dedicated TVET centre for women is in the pipeline to advance their skills and knowledge. The TVET centre is a project under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry would be implemented soon. The target is for 15,000 women to participate in TVET-related programmes and activities.
> Budget 2023 data indicates that while 90% of TVET graduates can find employment, they only earn around RM2,000 per month. To tackle this issue, the government is encouraging local businesses to hire more local youth, with a number of attractive incentives in place. The government intends to collaborate with industry players to train TVET graduates, with a target involvement of 50 companies especially among GLCs. Another way it aims to do this is through the Social Security Organisation (Socso) which will provide an incentive of RM600 monthly for three months as an addition to the salary offered to employers who hire TVET graduates. This move is estimated to help 17,000 graduates with RM45mil allocated for this purpose. GLCs will also offer 35,000 career opportunities to school leavers and graduates.
> The Human Resources Ministry is planning to use a modular course approach to attract the interest of Orang Asli youths to participate in its TVET programmes. Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said the long courses and training lengths were among the reasons Orang Asli youths shied away from participating in TVET programmes.
> The dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) sector will be transformed into high-income jobs to reduce the dependence on foreign labour, said Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang. To make this happen, those in the sector should continue to gain knowledge, especially in TVET, to gather experience and knowledge in becoming highly skilled workers. The government is targeting to reach 35% of highly skilled Malaysian workers by 2030.
Source: Media reports A global scenario
