By Dorothy Isa In today’s fast-changing world, career planning needs to start earlier than ever. Many secondary school students are still unsure about what they want to do after school. Some are unaware of the various education pathways available to them — especially options like TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), which offer practical skills and strong job prospects. This is where teachers and school counsellors play a crucial role in guiding students and helping them explore all the possibilities.
Why Early Career Planning Matters
When students begin planning their careers at an early stage, they’re more likely to set clear goals and stay focused in their studies. Career planning helps students connect what they learn in school to real-world jobs. Without proper guidance, many end up choosing courses based on peer influence or limited understanding, which may not match their interests or strengths.
Early planning gives students the opportunity to:
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Discover their interests, strengths, and values.
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Choose the right subjects or skills that align with their goals.
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Avoid wasting time and money on unsuitable education or career paths.
Teachers and Counsellors: Key to Raising Awareness about TVET
Teachers and counsellors are on the frontlines of education. They have the power to open students’ minds to career options beyond the traditional academic route. Many still view TVET as a “second-best” path, but in reality, it provides a solid foundation for a successful future — especially in high-demand industries like construction, engineering, hospitality, and the digital economy.
Here’s how teachers and counsellors can help:
1. Connect Subjects to Real Careers
Teachers can make learning more meaningful by showing how classroom subjects relate to actual jobs. For example, a Design & Technology class can lead to careers in robotics, graphic design, or engineering — all of which can be pursued through TVET programmes.
2. Personalised Career Counselling
Counsellors can organise one-on-one or small group sessions to help students explore their strengths, personality, and career interests. These sessions can introduce students to TVET options that align with their passions and learning styles.
3. Industry Visits and Talks
Schools can arrange visits to TVET colleges, skills training centres, or workplaces to expose students to different career environments. Inviting TVET graduates or industry professionals to share their journeys can also make a big impact.
4. Career Fairs and Campaigns
Career fairs in schools should include both academic and vocational education providers. On top of that, using digital campaigns and social media can help change the perception of TVET and present it as a modern, exciting path.
Why TVET is Relevant for Secondary School Students
TVET is not just about learning how to “use your hands” — it’s about gaining practical, job-ready skills that are in high demand. According to TalentCorp Malaysia, industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and IT are facing a shortage of skilled workers. TVET helps fill this gap by preparing students for real work environments.
Students who pursue TVET can:
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Gain technical skills from a young age.
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Continue their studies from certificate to diploma or even degree level.
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Start their own business based on what they’ve learned.
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Enter stable, well-paying careers right after graduation.
Career awareness shouldn’t begin only after students finish school. It needs to start early — and teachers and counsellors are key to making that happen. They can help students see the full range of options, including how TVET can lead to success, not as a fallback, but as a first-choice path. By shifting mindsets and working together — schools, parents, industry, and the government — we can prepare a new generation of students who are confident, skilled, and ready for the future. TVET isn’t a Plan B. For many students, it could very well be the smartest Plan A.
