By Nur Nabilahuda Humaira’ bt Abdul Malik Can we be honest for a second?
There’s still a huge misconception about TVET in Malaysia. A lot of people see it as a second option, or something you choose only if you didn’t do well academically. I hear this all the time from students and parents, especially during school visits. And every time, I wish more people actually understood what TVET is — and what it isn’t.
TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. It’s not a “last resort” or a backup plan. It’s a valid, valuable, and practical path on its own. It’s designed for students who want to build real skills, who enjoy hands-on learning, and who are excited to enter the workforce early with the confidence to do real work.
Why TVET in Malaysia Deserves More Recognition
We’re talking about careers in automotive, culinary arts, ICT, creative media, healthcare, early childhood education, tourism and hospitality, fashion, and more. These aren’t fallback jobs. These are skilled professions that fuel our local industries and offer strong career growth. And more importantly, they’re in demand. Real demand.
In Sarawak, this demand is especially obvious. We have growing industries, new infrastructure, and expanding digital needs — but not enough skilled talent to match. Whether it’s in the trades, healthcare, service industry, or even digital content creation, employers are constantly looking for people who are not only knowledgeable, but also trained to hit the ground running.
TVET produces graduates who are job-ready. That means they’ve gone through practical training, industry exposure, real workshops — not just theory in a classroom. And sometimes, that practical skill makes all the difference in getting hired or even starting your own business.
The Growing Demand for TVET Graduates in Sarawak
So, why do students still hesitate?
Because of mindset. Because somewhere along the way, people started saying that TVET is only for those who “have no other option.” That it’s only for students who didn’t score well in exams. That it’s less prestigious. And that kind of thinking doesn’t just hurt students — it holds back the entire community.
I’ve met so many students who joined TVET courses thinking they were settling. A few months in, they’re thriving. They’re more confident, they’re skilled, and they’re even more focused than they ever were in school. Some of them start freelance work before graduating. Some are already earning side income doing what they love — baking, graphic design, fixing bikes, or building websites.
Not everyone wants to sit in lectures or chase a four-year degree. Some people want to do. They want to build, fix, create, design, lead, move, serve, and get out into the world as soon as possible. TVET gives them a space to grow in that direction, and it respects the kind of learner they are.
Changing the Narrative Around TVET
And we really need to talk more about how TVET graduates are doing in real life. Many of them find jobs quickly. Some open their own small businesses. Some go on to take diplomas or advanced industry certifications. Some even return as trainers. The point is — TVET is not a dead end. It’s a starting point, and the path from there is wide open.
So how do we change the narrative? Start by talking about TVET with respect. Encourage students to explore their strengths instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all plan. Take the time to visit training academies. Ask questions. Talk to real students. Watch what they’re working on. Once you see it for yourself, you realise this path is not “less than” — it’s just different. And for many, it’s exactly the right one.
The truth is, the job market today values skill. Confidence, consistency, and practical knowledge go a long way. TVET gives students that early advantage. And in a world that keeps changing, having a solid, practical foundation might just be the smartest choice you can make.
So let’s stop calling TVET a last resort. Let’s call it what it really is — a smart, empowering, and realistic way to build a future.
