Career Pathways of TVET Students: The Effect of Interest on Career Intention among Automotive Technology Students at Vocational Colleges

Mohamad Zhurad Haron; Mohd Nasrun Sumeri

doi:10.70148/rise.5

Authors

Mohamad Zhurad Haron Kolej Vokasional Tanjung Puteri Johor Bahru Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0359-193X
Mohd Nasrun Sumeri Kolej Vokasional Tanjung Puteri Johor Bahru Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8123-1872

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70148/rise.5

Keywords:

Students’ Interest; TVET Career Intention; Automotive Technology; Automotive Service; Intrinsic Motivation.

Abstract

The automotive technology field is rapidly expanding worldwide, driven by significant technological advancements in the automotive industry. Students' interest in automotive technology is a key factor in shaping their career aspirations within this domain. This study investigates the connection between students' interest and their career intentions in automotive technology at a Vocational College located in Johor Bahru, Johor. The primary goal is to determine the extent of students' interest in automotive technology subjects and their intent to pursue careers in the automotive service sector. The study employs a quantitative approach to examine 134 students enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program at the college. Data were collected through a questionnaire featuring a 5-point Likert scale, designed to assess students' perceptions of their interest and career intentions. The analysis, which involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, indicates that students exhibit a very high level of interest and career intent, with a significant correlation between these factors. Strong interest in the subject enhances students' intrinsic motivation to follow a career in this area. The implications of this study are significant for educators in designing teaching strategies that can sustain and enhance students' interest, while policymakers need to consider policies that support a curriculum responsive to students' interests and industry needs. Future researchers are encouraged to explore external factors such as family influence and industry exposure, as well as to conduct longitudinal studies to assess changes in career interest and intentions over time.

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