Career self-efficacy and entrepreneurial competence among technical and vocational education and training students in Malaysia

Abstract

This study investigates the role of career self-efficacy in shaping entrepreneurial competence among students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected from a total of 619 students who were selected through purposive random sampling across several public TVET institutions. A validated and reliable questionnaire was used to assess the levels of career self-efficacy and entrepreneurial competence among the participants. The findings reveal a significant and positive correlation between self-efficacy and entrepreneurial competence, indicating that students with higher level of self-efficacy tend to exhibit stronger entrepreneurial skills and behaviours. These results highlight the critical role of psychological constructs particularly self-efficacy in developing entrepreneurial capacities among TVET learners. The study underscores the importance of integrating self-efficacy-focused strategies into TVET curricula and co-curricular activities, including project-based learning, mentorship and psychological support interventions. By prioritising career self-efficacy, TVET institutions can better prepare students to adapt to the dynamic demands of the labour market and entrepreneurial environments. These findings have broader implications for policymakers, educators and curriculum designers seeking to enhance the entrepreneurial potential and career adaptability of future technical professionals both in Malaysia and in similar educational contexts globally.