Assessing TVET Knowledge and Acceptance among SPM Students in Malaysia: Empirical Validation of an Integrated Framework (SCCT–TPB)

Abstract

In Malaysia, the development of human capital and the country's economic transformation are greatly aided by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). However, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates' student enrollment regularly falls short of strategic national goals. This empirical study assesses the structural relationships between TVET knowledge, social influence, perceived industry value, career self-efficacy, attitude toward TVET, and TVET acceptance. It is based on an integrated framework that combines Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was used to gather data from n = 387 SPM students in five different geographical regions in Peninsular and East Malaysia SPM. To test the proposed routes, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used. The empirical results show that attitude toward TVET and career self-efficacy are strongly influenced by TVET knowledge (β = 0.312, p < 0.001), perceived industry value (β = 0.354, p < 0.001), and social influence (β = 0.285, p < 0.001). Additionally, the path toward TVET acceptance is significantly mediated by attitude toward TVET (β = 0.384, p < 0.001) and career self-efficacy (β = 0.342, p < 0.001) (r2 = 0.584). The effect of TVET knowledge on acceptance is strongly moderated by geographic location (rural vs. urban), with a greater positive effect among rural cohorts, according to multi-group analysis (MGA). For educational policymakers and career counseling frameworks under Dasar TVET Negara 2030, these findings offer practical empirical assistance.