TVET Participation Rises 33.15 Percent in Five Years

Enrollment in Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs has seen a significant surge, increasing by 33.15% in the last five years to reach 458,249 students in the previous year. This growth from 344,153 students in 2020 highlights a notable shift in educational preferences among the younger generation, who increasingly prioritize job market readiness.

Dr. Azmir Mohd. Yunus, Head Secretariat of the National TVET Council (MTVET), noted that the participation of students who have completed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination and its equivalents in TVET institutions has surpassed the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) target of 55%. Last year, this figure stood at 56.86%, representing 230,721 students. This consistent rise, from 130,440 students in 2020 to 230,721 last year, signifies TVET's transition from an alternative pathway to a primary choice for education and career development.

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This increase reflects a change in the pattern of educational choices among the younger generation who prioritize job market employability.

Between January 1 and June 30 of the current year, 60,367 new students registered in TVET institutions through the TVET Big Data. This number is provisional, as the enrollment process for the July 2026 session is ongoing and expected to be finalized by the end of this month. The shift towards TVET is further fueled by broader career prospects, high graduate employability rates, and sustained industry demand for skilled labor.

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TVET is no longer seen as an alternative route, but is increasingly recognized as a primary choice for education and career.

Popular fields of study include electrical and electronics, business, finance and administration, machinery and equipment, construction and infrastructure, and automotive. Information and communication technology (ICT), food and beverages, metal and welding technology, textiles, apparel and leather, and education are also in demand. The number of TVET graduates also increased positively, reaching 205,795 last year compared to 122,836 in 2020.

Azmir emphasized the consistently high employability rate of TVET graduates at 95.9%, underscoring the effectiveness of skills-based training in meeting labor market needs. He addressed previous concerns about young people entering the workforce early without further education, stating that the TVET enrollment increase demonstrates that more young people are pursuing education through a skills-focused route that aligns with industry requirements. This trend reflects public confidence in the TVET ecosystem and the government's initiatives to expand access to skills-based education, supporting the nation's goal of producing a skilled workforce.

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The employability rate of TVET graduates remains high, with 95.9 percent of them successfully obtaining employment, thus proving that skills-based training meets the demands of the labor market.