KenWITH industry demands evolving, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) academies are providing students with practical alternatives that align closely with real-world job requirements.
Employers, said OSKY Academy chief executive officer Ken Ong, are increasingly looking for graduates who can contribute from the get-go – not just write essays about it.
While university graduates sometimes face fierce competition for entry-level positions, TVET graduates are often able to secure roles even before they graduate.
Miroku Hair Academy and Ambitious Academy, for instance, guarantee nearly 100% job placement – thanks to the practical experience built into their programmes.
“TVET training gives students an edge by helping them gain real experience that boosts employability after graduation,” Ambitious Academy course counsellor Hoi Jin Jian said.
Even as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms many industries, careers like hairdressing remain rooted in the human connection and creativity.
“Skills like hairdressing are hard to replace with AI,” said Miroku senior educator who only wanted to be known as Kane.
TVET keeps students relevant by developing skills that rely on creativity and personal interaction, qualities AI cannot replicate, he said, adding that students are able to learn the trendiest hairstyling techniques at Miroku, while also being coached on how to pitch themselves to clients and build rapport.
What employers want
HoiIn the technology sector, the gap between theory and practice is clear, Ken said.
“As employers, we find that a lot of graduates lack hands-on practical experiences. About 80% of them are not ready for their first tech job,” he said, sharing how this led him to launching OSKY Academy, a platform offering masterclasses in front-end development, back-end development, and DevOps.
Through these classes, he said, students are equipped with real-world skills often overlooked in university, like debugging under pressure, using Git version control, and effective teamwork.
“These skills are non-electives. In fact, they are daily essentials especially in the real world,” Ken said.
Most importantly, he pointed out that OSKY is run by developers working in the industry to bridge the gap between training and real-world industry needs.
AsmawiIn the aviation field, the stakes are even higher as merely knowing theory without practice can put lives at stake.
At Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) Engineering Services, practical training is not an option – it is crucial, especially in aircraft maintenance, said its trainee management assistant manager Asmawi Shamsinar.
Practical training, he added, is key to developing the knowledge and technical ability required to work on the aircraft effectively.
Hence, MAB students receive hands-on exposure from day one.
“Students have daily access to an aircraft and work hand-in-hand with licensed engineers,” he said.
Unlike institutions that rely on external partnerships for on-ground training, MAB is a one-stop centre, offering seamless integration between learning and the workplace.
Opportunities for all
KeriunThe goal, said Travex International College chairman Keriun Ong Yoke Chin, is to give every student a pathway to succeed, regardless of their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results.
“We want to give those who are not academically inclined a chance at having a successful career,” she said, adding that the college integrates work and study, allowing students to earn a monthly salary while gaining industry experience.
“Our team is very focused on producing quality graduates for the market,” she added.
Known for its inclusive approach, Ambitious Academy also welcomes students from all backgrounds, including those without SPM qualifications, into vocational courses like culinary arts, digital marketing, hairdressing, and makeup.
“The reason we promote TVET is that employers today are looking for students with real hands-on skills, not just knowledge of theory,” Hoi said, adding that the college blends 70% practical training with 30% theory, providing students with real-world skills from day one.
Find your passion
KaneStudents, these TVET providers advise, must look inwardly before registering for a programme.
“Before signing up, students need to know themselves. If you don’t like working with tools, TVET fields like aircraft maintenance may not be for you,” Asmawi said.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ken admitted that he wished he had sought advice from industry professionals earlier in his career.
“It’s quite daunting, signing up for a course and not knowing if it’s something that I would be able to do every day,” he said.
He encouraged students to speak with TVET providers who can offer exposure to real industry experience before making a long-term commitment.
All interviewees were participants of the Star Education Fair 2025, held at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre on May 17 and 18.
