With tuition fees on the rise, tertiary education poses a major financial constraint for those wanting to further their studies. While a traditional degree remains a popular choice, there’s no single pathway for school leavers or diploma holders to carve a successful career.
Besides the hefty price tags on traditional degrees, the changing nature of jobs as well as the lack of certainty in upward mobility and job security among degree holders, Malaysian youths are looking at alternatives to uni. Many school leavers and diploma holders are opting for cheaper and more in-demand skill-based courses and certifications that meet the employability needs of today’s employers.
The question of whether traditional degrees can guarantee graduates to be hired in skilled, in-demand jobs remains debatable. According to a May 2024 report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), it was revealed that more than one-third of employed graduates were employed in semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs.
Not only that, but Malaysia’s youth unemployment rate remained at an alarming 10.6%, impacting 306,600 young people. A “skills gap”, which is a vast mismatch between the skills obtained by the graduate and what an employer requires, largely attributed to the high youth unemployment rate in Malaysia.
If you feel like you’re down on your luck due to lacking the funds to support your tertiary education requirements, don’t fret! There are several lucrative alternatives to university that don’t require you to break the bank.
Let’s explore five viable alternatives to university for Malaysian youths in 2024 that can enhance their employability in an increasingly digitalised society.
Industry and professional certifications
One of the most effective alternatives to uni is obtaining industry-recognised certifications. These certifications demonstrate specific skills and knowledge relevant to particular fields, making candidates more attractive to employers.
For instance, certifications in digital marketing, project management (like PMP), or IT-related fields (such as CompTIA) can significantly boost employability.
In a 2023 LinkedIn survey conducted on the Singaporean workforce, it was revealed that 73% of survey respondents believed that skills were deemed more valuable than experience. These respondents comprise Gen Zers and working professionals of all generations, which means that fresh graduates who have in-demand skills are more likely to be hired over those with stellar academic qualifications but lacking skills.
By pursuing certifications, students can showcase their expertise and commitment to continuous learning, making them stand out in a competitive job market.
Talent placement programmes
Organisations such as Khazanah and Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) offer structured pathways for young Malaysians to gain valuable experience and skills without the need for a traditional degree.
These programmes often include mentorship, training workshops, and direct placements within various industries. These provide participants with insights into real-world work environments.
Such initiatives address the mismatch between academic training and industry requirements by equipping participants with practical skills that employers seek. As the job market evolves, talent placement programmes can be instrumental in helping students transition smoothly into their careers.
Talent placement programmes such as K-Youth is fully funded, so financial worries are set aside and talents like yourself can focus on learning and carving your career.
Participants in this programme are also entitled to a monthly allowance of RM 1,800 as they gain valuable skills that will enhance their employability skills.
Internships and apprenticeships
Gaining real-world experience through internships or apprenticeships is another powerful alternative to traditional education. These opportunities provide students with hands-on training in their desired fields, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
According to NACE research, on average, companies offer 72% of their interns full-time employment upon completing their internship. 80% of these interns accept the offer. This means that on average, companies convert 58% of their interns into full-time employees.
Internships not only enhance resumes but also help students develop crucial soft skills such as teamwork and communication – qualities that employers highly value.
Online bootcamps
Online bootcamps have gained popularity as intensive training programmes designed to equip participants with specific skills in a short period.
Providers such as The Future Talent offer fast-track programmes that are highly in-demand by employers such as full stack development, data science analytics, and cybersecurity. These programmes offer immersive experiences that focus on practical applications of skills needed in today’s job market.
A study by the General Assembly found that 79% of Malaysian bootcamp grads landed jobs within 180 days when their programme included a job guarantee.
That’s not all, in a different survey done on coding bootcamp grads in Malaysia, it was revealed that 92% of participants who completed such boot camps landed jobs within 6 months of completing the programme.
78% of these participants credited the promise of a job upon completing these online bootcamps for their career glow-up.
Micro-credentials and badges
Micro-credentials are often bite-sized, easy-to-digest, and focused courses that allow individuals to gain specific skills or knowledge in a particular area. These are often more flexible than traditional courses and can be completed in a shorter time frame.
Micro-credential courses are often flexible and self-paced, allowing busy students and working professionals to gain exposure to the latest in-demand skills without the commitment to attend physical or blended learning classes. These courses are often livestreamed and can be downloaded for later access.
Platforms such as SKILLSTURE and LinkedIn Learning offer micro-credentialing options that enable students to showcase their skills to potential employers.
According to the World Economic Forum, 94% of business leaders reported that they expect employees to pick up new skills on the job, making micro-credentials a valuable asset for job seekers.
Opt for PEOPLElogy’s highly in-demand courses to harness a bright future
As Malaysian school leavers and diploma holders consider their future, opting for in-demand courses with PEOPLElogy and its programme partners can be a transformative decision.
With a focus on industry-relevant skills and practical experience, integrated people development solutions provider PEOPLElogy offers comprehensive talent development courses that serve as financially viable alternatives to a three or four-year degree.
By participating in these courses, school leavers gain access to a wealth of resources designed to enhance employability, including workshops and upskilling opportunities tailored to meet market demands.
With over 200,000 talents trained and a proven track record in helping secure employment opportunities for over 1,000 trained talents, PEOPLElogy equips individuals with the essential skills employers seek, such as critical thinking and digital literacy.
Their partnerships with 160 regional partners from the Southeast Asian region unlock a wealth of opportunities for the talents they cultivate to be hired.
In a competitive job market, choosing PEOPLElogy empowers talents to unlock their potential and thrive in Malaysia’s digital economy without the hefty costs of university tuition. Embrace your future with PEOPLElogy today!
