TVET students on what it’s like...

“I chose the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathway because of my interests. Skills training is easier for me to understand as it is hands-on rather than theory-based. This means I am able to spot my mistakes easily during training and learn from them. It is a more effective way of learning. TVET is attractive because it focuses on a specific path while we are still in school. This allows students to have a clear direction about their career prospects and only focus on the field they are studying. I’m studying electrical technology and I like the part where we have to test each type of wire – live, neutral and earth – that we instal to avoid installation error. It’s interesting because I learn that every step leads to the final outcome and a mistake can have dire consequences.”

Kolej Vokasional Keningau, Sabah, student Zurainnizah Omar, 17

“Skills can be picked up through practical experience. I chose skills-based education over the academic pathway because I wanted to acquire technical skills that I can use in the real world, specifically in the working world. The TVET system helps me to understand what I’m learning better. In TVET, the grading system is very different. It is semester-based and comprises formative assessments, namely, assignments, practical projects and tests, and a final assessment, which is a final exam that includes practicals. This means that even before the final exam, we would already have scored 30 marks. The remaining 70 marks will be evaluated based on how well we perform in the final exam. I’m studying culinary arts because I love cooking and it has been my passion from a very young age.”

Kolej Vokasional Keningau, Sabah, student Fredo Foo Sau Yi, 17

“I have always been interested in fixing things. Learning skills is an enjoyable experience. I just enrolled in a computer-based programme. My interest in computers started when I was nine years old. I would spend hours playing video games before I got interested in learning how to reformat computers. My parents took note of my passion and encouraged me in my pursuit. Unlike theory-based courses, TVET programmes are easy to understand and they are fun. I’d like to become a lecturer after completing my studies and share my knowledge with others.”

Kolej Megatech computer system student Jishnu Kanisin, 21

“In my course, I get to learn about industrial machines and how they work. The academic pathway was a challenge for me but once I discovered skills training, I realised how much easier I am able to understand and apply what I’m learning. I can catch up fast.”

Kolej Megatech computer system student Muhammad Firdaus Qayyum Pauzi, 18