Nur Zulaikha Mohd Yusoff, Saifullizam Puteh, Muhammad Haziq Mazlan, Zunuwanas Mohamad, Abdul Hafaz Ngah, Moh. Khairudin, Rosnawati Buhari
Purpose – This study aims to investigate the self-efficacy levels of students enrolled in work-based learning (WBL) programmes, using Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) as a case study within the global context of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Design/methodology/approach – Employing a quantitative survey design, the study evaluates self-efficacy across three dimensions: self-ability, adherence to work rules and personal and professional development, based on responses from 211 students. Findings – The findings reveal a moderate level of self-efficacy among participants, with significant differences based on age but not gender or academic qualifications. The results provide valuable insights into the factors influencing student self-efficacy in WBL programmes, offering recommendations for improving such initiatives to enhance employability and industry readiness across diverse TVET systems. Research limitations/implications – The study focuses on UTHM as a case study, and further research in diverse institutional contexts is recommended to validate these findings. Practical implications – Insights from this study can guide the development of targeted interventions to enhance self-efficacy and employability among students, particularly through mentorship and improved WBL programme structures. Social implications – Enhanced self-efficacy improves workforce readiness, reducing graduate unemployment and fostering industry-academia collaboration. WBL programs bridge skill gaps by integrating mentorship and support, helping students develop both technical expertise and career resilience. Originality/value – This study uniquely links demographic factors with self-efficacy in WBL, going beyond industry readiness to explore psychological and educational aspects. By incorporating international comparisons and Bandura's framework, it broadens the theoretical foundation of WBL research from a global perspective. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited
Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Malaysia; Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Shah Alam, Malaysia; Department of Marketing, Fakulti Perniagaan Ekonomi dan Pembangunan Sosial, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia; Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Faculty of Civil and Built Environment Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Malaysia
