Integrating Professional Values in TVET Education: A Case Study at Politeknik METrO Johor Bahru

Abstract

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a pivotal role in producing highly skilled human capital that meets the evolving needs of industries. In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which emphasizes quality education and lifelong learning, the integration of professional values such as responsibility, integrity, discipline, and punctuality within the TVET framework has become increasingly essential. This study explores the level of professional value integration in teaching and learning (T&L) at Politeknik METrO Johor Bahru (PMJB) by examining four dimensions: value integration, lecturers’ T&L practices, enhancement strategies, and the relationship between value integration and lecturers’ practices. A quantitative design was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to 190 students, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics via IBM SPSS version 29. The findings reveal high levels of professional value integration (mean = 4.65), lecturers’ T&L practices (mean = 4.63), and enhancement strategies (mean = 4.68), with the most prominent strategies involving strict reprimands for undisciplined students, creative awareness campaigns, and the embedding of values across all courses. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicates a significant relationship between professional value integration and lecturers’ practices (r = .422, p < .01). Overall, this study highlights the importance of embedding professional values in TVET to produce graduates who are both technically competent and ethically responsible, while supporting the SDG 4 agenda for quality education and lifelong learning.