KUALA LUMPUR: The lack of modern equipment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions creates significant challenges for students and educators.
This potentially prevents these institutions from achieving their primary goals.
National Organisation of Skilled Workers (Belia Mahir) secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said the issue has disrupted the learning process and affects the quality of future skilled workers entering the workforce.
"The industry constantly seeks highly skilled individuals who can adapt to new technologies and practices.
"Without access to the latest equipment, TVET graduates will be unprepared to meet these demands.
"Outdated TVET training equipment also hampers efforts to align institutional curriculums with industry standards.
"The skills and knowledge required for various professions also change as the industry evolves.
"Without the necessary equipment for practical training that reflects these developments, TVET institutions struggle to keep up with industry needs, creating a gap between what is taught in training rooms and what is required in the workplace," he said in a statement today.
Rizan added that the lack of modern training equipment may discourage students from pursuing technical and vocational education.
"In today's digital era, students are accustomed to learning with advanced technology and equipment.
"When they encounter outdated equipment in TVET institutions, they may view the training as irrelevant or obsolete, which could deter them from pursuing potential career paths in technical fields."
He said investing and modernising TVET training equipment was essential to address the challenge.
"By providing students access to the latest tools and technologies, these institutions can enhance the learning experience and better prepare graduates for the workforce.
"With up-to-date equipment, students can acquire practical skills that directly align with industry demands, making them more competitive in the job market."