TVET Graduates Involvement in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Contractors’ Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33830/ijrse.v8i1-1.14834Keywords:
Construction Industry, TVET Graduate, ContractorAbstract
In Malaysia, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) relate to educational programs that practice skills, and knowledge focuses on industry-relevant training and job readiness. The Malaysian government has been strongly promoting and supporting TVET to enhance the economic development and job creation. Therefore, this research aims to explore the marketability and employability of TVET graduates in Malaysia's construction industry. Three (3) objectives were outlined: i) to assess contractors’ awareness and perceptions of TVET graduates in Malaysia’s construction industry, ii) to investigate the challenges encountered by TVET graduates in entering the construction sector and iii) to propose strategies to enhance the marketability and employability of TVET graduates in the construction industry. Data were collected from 59 contractors across Klang Valley via structured questionnaires. Analysis using SPSS mean score techniques revealed that while TVET graduates are valued for their hands-on abilities, deficiencies in digital literacy (e.g., BIM, AI) and communication skills hinder their full integration into the workforce. As TVET plays a critical role for national development, the research highlights gaps between institutional training and real-world industry expectations. Many TVET graduates face challenges such as limited exposure to modern construction technologies, inadequate soft skills, and negative societal perceptions. There is a need to enhance collaboration between TVET institutions and the construction industry, stronger practical training pathways, and policy reforms to align educational outputs with market needs. The findings advocate for a more responsive, and future-ready TVET ecosystem to empower learners in Malaysia’s evolving construction sector.
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