FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SELECTION OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PLACEMENTS AMONG POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS: A THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR APPROACH

Abstract

Industrial training forms the foundation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), bridging the theory learned in class and work-place practice. Although there is much research on internships and work-based learning, not much research applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explain placement decisions by Malaysian polytechnic students, particularly from East Malaysia. This paper addresses the gap by examining the determinants of placement decisions at Politeknik Kuching, integrating TPB factors with secondary contextual variables. Quantitative survey design was employed with 176 diploma final-year students from business, IT, accounting, and engineering streams. Data collection and descriptive analysis were done using a structured questionnaire. Outcomes suggest that attitudes influenced most, followed by perceptions of skill acquisition and career prospects. Family support and industry reputation were moderately strong subjective norms and peer pressure was less strong. Perceived behavioural control indicated student confidence but anxiety over competition and field-matching limitations. Future employment prospects and on the job training were secondary considerations that also shaped decisions, which revealed contextual aspects not fully accounted for by TPB. Theoretically, the current study advances TPB by adding contextual and secondary considerations in explaining placement decisions for less-studied regions. In reality, the results are more industry links, improved career guidance, and policy reorientation to serve polytechnic students, particularly under the 1:3 Internship Policy. This study adds to theory by refining TPB in a TVET setting and to practice by offering directions for institutions, policymakers, and industry players to reorient opportunities and student aspirations with labor needs.