The Gap between Proficiency of Non -Technical Skills of Vocational College Graduates and the Perception of Employers in the Malaysian Industry

Abstract

This paper explains about the gap between of non-technical skills of Vocational College graduates and the perception of employers in the Malaysian industry. Non-technical skills consist of seven elements namely communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, information management skills, leadership and organizational skills, group work skills, workplace attitude-related skills and self-management skills.A total of 300 technical graduates ofVocational Colleges and 129 employers in the Malaysian industry were involved in this quantitative study. The data was present in radar chart. The results showed that the technical graduates of the Vocational Collegeproficiency all the non-technical skills. However, it is still low compared to the non-technical skills required by employers in the industry. Through non-parametric research methods such as the Wilcoxon Test shows that there is a gap between of non-technical skills of Vocational College graduates and the perception of employers in the Malaysianindustry is seen to be quite significant and it needs to be addressed seriously. From this research, we suggested with the existence of industry collaboration projects with institutions. Students will get information and data directly from the industry while the industry benefits through ideas or solution proposals generated at the institution.