WITH the continuous demand for workers with technical skills in Sarawak, more students are opting to pursue Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVet).
While TVet among students is increasing in popularity due to better job prospects, for some the TVet path may not be their first choice, as they still prefer pursuing conventional tertiary education.
If you are still unsure about your options, here are some questions you can ask yourself.
Is this the right choice for me?
Before deciding, do ask if TVet is for you. If you are unsure, find someone who is currently in a technical profession and ask him or her what it’s like. For example, ask what their typical day is like, in order to understand their profession.
After that, do try to reflect on their experience. Can you see yourself doing that for a long period of time or would you lose interest after a while?
Where can I go with my skills?
Before enrolling yourself into any TVet course, be clear as to what sort of skills you will obtain upon completing your course.
This will then help you figure out your next step to take in advancing your career.
Again, seek guidance from someone who is in the line of work that you’re considering now, and ask them if the courses would provide the relevant skills needed for the job.
What qualifications are necessary to pursue my chosen career?
TVet covers many fields such as agriculture, mechanical engineering, construction, culinary arts, and electronics.
So, once you’ve decided on which vocational programme to pursue, try to think and figure out what other qualifications are necessary for pursuing a career in your chosen field. For example, you may need a specific certificate, licence, or degree to practise your skills.
How far can I go?
This is perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself if you ever decide on pursuing TVet, as you have to know all the possibilities and options to advance in your career.
The growing economy requires workers at various levels so although you may start as a low- to medium-skilled worker, you can build your experience and become a high-skilled worker within your field.
In addition, your skills might be transferable to other fields as well thus providing you with opportunities to advance in other industries that offer better benefits.
This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.