Putrajaya: The government is aiming to enrol at least 650,000 students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across 1,395 institutions nationwide by December 31 this year, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this target comes in light of a significant rise in student participation in TVET, which is increasingly being recognized as a preferred education and career pathway by both parents and students. Last year saw about 587,000 students enrolling in TVET institutions, a substantial increase from approximately 121,000 when the TVET Council was first established. This fivefold increase is seen as a positive achievement, reflecting the growing recognition of TVET's value.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the chairman of the National TVET Council Committee, highlighted that the ongoing National TVET Day celebrations, being held at Dataran Putrajaya until June 7, aim to showcase high-quality TVET to current students and potential applicants nationwide. He emphasized the importance of aligning TVET with labour market demands, particularly in developing skilled local workers to meet industry needs and potentially raise the starting salaries of TVET graduates.
The Deputy Prime Minister further stated the government's intention for TVET to become a first-choice pathway for students. While academic routes through public and private higher education institutions continue to be strengthened, the focus remains on meeting the actual needs of the labour market within the country.
National TVET Day 2026, with the theme "TVET Pilihan Utama Kerjaya" (TVET as the Preferred Career Choice), is expected to draw around 500,000 visitors. The event features a variety of programmes, including TVET and industry engagement, seminars, a career carnival, entrepreneurship opportunities, TVET challenges, and educational entertainment. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate at the event's highlight tomorrow, reinforcing the government's commitment to nurturing a highly skilled workforce.