TVET graduates may have jobs, but are they the right jobs? MEF asks

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) is urging a more comprehensive evaluation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates' employability to better assess their skills, career growth and impact on the workforce. Senior adviser Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman explained that while the 2025 employability rates of 98.5 per cent for polytechnic graduates and 98.8 per cent for community college graduates appear promising, the nature and relevance of their jobs must also be considered.

"A graduate might have a job, but the crucial question is if the position makes use of their acquired skills," he stated. Syed Hussain proposed that future TVET performance indicators should cover factors such as employment in fields matching their training, starting salaries and wage growth, career advancement, employer satisfaction, and overall job readiness.

He highlighted that industry-recognized certificates, participation in continuous learning, reskilling and upskilling, and progression into higher-skilled occupations are also essential indicators. Syed Hussain emphasized that while technical expertise is crucial, graduates require strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability skills for success in diverse work environments.

According to him, solely possessing skills is insufficient; employers need individuals who can effectively apply those skills in real-world situations, communicate clearly, collaborate with colleagues, tackle challenges, and adjust to changing circumstances. Syed Hussain stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between industry and educational institutions to ensure TVET programs align with evolving workforce requirements.

He advocated for a more robust industry-to-classroom-to-workplace model, where employers participate in demand forecasting, curriculum development, hands-on training, competency assessment, certification, recruitment, and ongoing skill enhancement. This approach would ensure graduates are better prepared for the workplace while enabling TVET institutions to swiftly adapt to technological and industry shifts.

To achieve this, Syed Hussain emphasized that strengthening TVET must be accompanied by the creation of more high-skilled employment opportunities for graduates. He cautioned that producing skilled graduates without generating adequate high-value jobs could result in skills underutilization. Conversely, generating high-value investments without developing the appropriate talent could lead to skill shortages.

Consequently, he argued that education, TVET, industrial, and investment policies should be coordinated to create sufficient opportunities for skilled graduates. "If we want our TVET graduates to have good jobs, we must create more good jobs. Education policy and investment policy must move together," Syed Hussain concluded. The Malaysian Employers Federation remains dedicated to working with the Ministry of Higher Education, National TVET Council, Polytechnic and Community College institutions, and relevant agencies to enhance industry-education collaboration and develop a demand-driven, industry-led, and future-ready TVET ecosystem.