Muhammad Haziq Mazlan, Saifullizam Puteh, Zunuwanas Mohamad, Nor Lisa Sulaiman, Kahirol Mohd Salleh, Wan Rosemehah Wan Omar, Rosnawati Buhari, Hartoyo Mp
Purpose: This study aims to identify and explore the critical components of Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) talent domains needed by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students through work-based learning (WBL) programs in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 11 experts from academia and industry. Document analysis was employed to complement expert interviews, offering an enriched understanding of the IR4.0 talent domains. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and reliability analysis through Fleiss’s Kappa. Findings: The study reveals a consensus between academic and industry experts on the importance of cognitive abilities and professionalism for IR4.0 talent. However, significant discrepancies were noted in the domain of operational work skills, with academic experts agreeing on 12 out of 14 components, while industry experts agreed on only four. This highlights a potential misalignment between academic curricula and industry needs, particularly in operational skills. Research limitations/implications: This research only involves academics and industry experts in the field of IR4.0. The focus of this research is on the undergraduate WBL programmes at Malaysia’s Polytechnic. Practical implications: The findings can guide curriculum development in TVET programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to meet industry expectations. Originality/value: This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on IR4.0 talent development, offering valuable insights into the essential talent domains for TVET students engaged in WBL programs. The findings underscore the need for closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry to ensure that TVET programs are better aligned with the demands of the IR4.0 workforce. © 2024, 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; Faculty of Civil and Built Environment Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Malaysia; Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
