Factors Influencing the Involvement of TVET Graduates in Career Selection in the Technical Sector in Malaysia

Abstract

Career selection is an important decision that influences an individual's career path. However, there are significant differences in career choices between men and women in the technical sector. Data were distributed through a questionnaire to TVET graduates around Malaysia. This study examines the influence of gender in the technical sector according to the field. Additionally, the study identifies other factors such as personality, changes in interest, obstacles, salary, and lack of prospects that influence career selection in the TVET sector. This quantitative study will use a survey method using a set of questionnaires to 246 students of Community Colleges, Polytechnics, Institute Kemahiran Belia Negara and ADTEC who were randomly selected in a stratified manner.  The instrument used is taken from the ROSS Career Selection Model and has an alpha value of 0.882. The study samples were selected based on the recommendations of the G-Power application; a total of 246 people were used for analysis involving mean, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Multiple Regression. Data were collected manually and through Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS 27.0. The analysis found that 56% worked according to their field, and 44% did not work according to their TVET field of study. The t-test value is 0.856 and the value (p = 0.394 > 0.05), indicating no significant difference between the level of involvement of TVET graduates based on gender. The ANOVA test found a significant value (p=0.010 < 0.05), showing a significant difference between the level of involvement of TVET graduates in career selection in the technical sector based on the institution category. Multiple regression results found five factors to be influential predictors in TVET career selection: Lack of Prospects (r=.495), Personality (r=.584), Career Obstacles (r=.699), Salary ­­(r=.557), and Changes in Interest (r=.494). The findings of this study can provide benefits and serve as guidance for management to assist TVET graduates in future career selection in the technical sector.