From Technocentrism to Human-Centrism: Reimagining TVET in the Age of AI Automation

Authors

  • Rui Gu University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/EH.9067

Keywords:

TVET, AI, Soft Skills, Ethics, Human-Centered Education

Abstract

This paper argues that traditional technocentric TVET—focused narrowly on hard skills—is fundamentally fragile in the AI era. Drawing on recent empirical studies from Africa, Asia, and beyond, it contends that TVET must shift from "technology-centered" to "human-centered" education, integrating soft skills as career stabilizers, embedding ethics as a core pillar, and adopting holistic pedagogies to cultivate not merely competent operators but complete human beings.

References

[1] TVET@Asia. (2026). Editorial: Issue 26—The impact of AI on TVET. TVET@Asia, Issue 26.

[2] Chiamogu, A. P., & Chiamogu, U. P. (2025). Bridging skills mismatch in Nigeria's TVET system. African Journal of Science, Innovation & Technology Research, 9(9), 281–282.

[3] Rabiu, A., Lee, M. F., & Lim, S. C. J. (2025). DACUM approach for integrating AI competencies in Nigeria's TVET. Journal of Competitiveness, 9(7), 3621–3634.

[4] Mahuyu, J. (2026). Impact of equity and digital divide on AI adoption in Zimbabwean TVET. TVET@Asia, Issue 26.

[5] ETS. (2025). Future readiness skills: Measuring soft skills in 2025.

[6] Pirzada, G. (2026). Integration of AI into art and design TVET curricula in Pakistan. TVET@Asia, Issue 26.

[7] Nwakile, T. C., et al. (2026). Readiness of TVET educators for AI-supported instruction. TVET@Asia, Issue 26.

[8] Do, C. L. T. (2025). Social-emotional development for vocational school students through teaching soft skills: A case study in Vietnam. TVET@Asia, Issue 25, 1–15.

[9] Goh, A. Y. S., & Hamid, S. H. A. (2026). Empowering adult educators' AI competence in Brunei. TVET@Asia, Issue 26.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-14

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

From Technocentrism to Human-Centrism: Reimagining TVET in the Age of AI Automation. (2026). Educational and Humanities, 3(2), 36–40. https://doi.org/10.63313/EH.9067