“Skills for the future forged here.” That’s the motto that comes to mind as we approach Setapak Vocational College. This Kuala Lumpur institution stands as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to technical education.
Setapak Vocational College began its journey with just six classes. There were only 224 students out of 258 offers. Initially graded B, the school ascended to Grade A in 1996. In 2002, it was upgraded to Sekolah Menengah Teknik ERT Setapak. New technical stream subjects were introduced. These were Food Management and Clothing Studies. New academic subjects included Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
A new system was introduced in 1987. Form 4 students were channeled directly into three fields. These were Catering, Fashion Design And Dressmaking and Beauty Therapy courses. By 1993, another course was offered, Child Care Course. In 2004, Computer Programming was introduced. The teaching staff increased. By 2011, there were 72 teachers. In 2010, the school was renamed SMV ERT Setapak. This was in line with the abolition of technical stream courses. Skills stream courses were introduced to replace the technical courses. It was upgraded to Vocational College in 2012.
Setapak Vocational College was one of 14 vocational schools nationwide. These schools were selected for the pilot project. Today, there are 76 vocational colleges throughout the country. Setapak Vocational College is the first KV ERT. The others are KV ERT Azizah in Johor Bahru, KV ERT Puteri in Temerloh, and KV Dato’ Undang Haji Muhamad Sharip in Rembau.
KV students undergo four years of study. They take the Malaysian Vocational Certificate SVM in the second year. They then take the DVM in their final year. Besides the DVM, students are also awarded the Malaysian Skills Certificate SKM. This is under the supervision of the Department of Skills Development JPK. It falls under the Ministry of Human Resources.
Setapak Vocational College focuses on hospitality. It acts as a platform. It helps to produce students with domestic skills. They can then face a competitive job market after graduation.
Setapak Vocational College offers four programs. These are Culinary Arts, Fashion Design and Dressmaking, Cosmetology, and Early Childhood Education. A Diploma in Fashion Design is available. It was previously known as the Diploma in Fashion & Dressmaking. A Diploma in Early Childhood Education is also available. A Diploma in Cosmetology and a Diploma in Culinary Arts are also offered.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, Setapak Vocational College has a student population of 474. It has a dedicated staff of 99 teachers. The college provides a comprehensive learning environment. It is designed to nurture both academic and practical abilities. The college actively fosters a culture of collaboration and community engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. These foster teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
As we stand here, it’s clear that Setapak Vocational College is more than just a school. It is a place where futures are shaped. It’s where students gain the skills to contribute to Malaysia’s progress. The graduates significantly contribute to various industries. They showcase the effectiveness of the college’s curriculum. It equips students with the skills needed to thrive.