Student's Perceptions on the Relevance of a Diploma in an Automotive Curriculum to the Workplace

AbstractThis research compares student preparation to meet workplace needs through a comparative study between TAFE in Australia and Community Colleges in Malaysia. It addresses responses from Malaysian industries that local graduates do not fulfill the needs of industries. The changing nature and demand in the workplace need focusing for the future workforce. It is important to ensure the future worker can cope with the new technologies. The purpose of this study is to investigate student preparation in mechanical engineering (automotive) and whether they meet workplace needs. The study aims to explore and compare the needs of automotive industries and the educational approaches employed to produce highly skilled workers in both countries. A mixed- method research approach was used to develop an insight to stakeholders’ perspectives: students, educators and employers. There were 152 participants: 113 students, 30 lecturers and nine employers. The data generated represents a comprehensive review through case study. The findings provide an insight of the stakeholders’ view of a variety of needs; commensurate in developing a technician labour force. The key issues include the update of training facilities, relevance of curriculum content, technological advancement in the automotive industry, and collaboration between educational institutions and the automotive industry. The study also identified gaps in the qualifications and experiences of teacher: especially inadequate experience, knowledge and skills with current technologies for the automotive industry. On this issue of imperatives for economic growth, the programs reviewed in this study in both Malaysia and Australia are commercial activities designed for profit of the training providers and the automotive industries. The best practices from the training providers could be improved by directly involving stakeholders in the curriculum design activities. This may include implementing customized programs that support local priorities; economic, social and environmental