MP SPEAKS | TVET essential in rapidly changing job market

MP SPEAKS | Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education is very important in the 21st century for several reasons:

1. Skill development: TVET education provides practical and hands-on training, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various technical and vocational fields.

In the rapidly changing job market of the 21st century, having relevant and practical skills is essential for individuals to secure meaningful employment.

2. Meeting industry demands: TVET education addresses the growing need for skilled workers in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and information technology.

By providing specialised training, TVET institutions can help bridge the skills gap and ensure that industries have access to a qualified workforce.

3. Economic development: TVET education has the potential to contribute to economic growth and development by producing a skilled workforce that can drive innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in various sectors.

This, in turn, can lead to job creation and greater economic prosperity.

4. Lifelong learning: In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving job requirements, individuals need to continuously update and enhance their skills.

TVET education promotes a culture of lifelong learning, enabling individuals to adapt to changing workplace demands and pursue career advancement opportunities.

TVET institutions should be opened after office hours to allow all workers to be skilled, reskilled, cross-skilled, or unskilled even after working hours

5. Presently, only about 26 percent of our workforce is skilled, while Singapore has nearly a 60 percent skilled workforce.

We need a skilled workforce so that Malaysians can earn a high income, stay in demand, and become more productive.

6. Inclusivity and equity: TVET education can provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not have access to traditional academic pathways.

By offering practical and market-relevant training, TVET institutions can promote inclusivity and equity in education and the workforce.

Overall, TVET education plays a critical role in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's and tomorrow's workforce, contributing to economic development, and promoting lifelong learning and inclusivity.

Over 400 hundred students attended and participated in today’s event, and we plan to have similar programmes for students all over the country.

Luckily, we had Mr Indiran, a retired teacher and councillor who tremendously helped and made the programme a success.

M KULASEGARAN is Ipoh Barat MP. This speech was given at the launch of the “Skills for All” TVET programme.

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