Towards an IoT Competency Model for Polytechnic Lecturers: A Preliminary Study

The rapid integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into technical education and industry demands lecturers with adequate knowledge and skills to prepare students for future workforce needs. However, Polytechnic lecturers, particularly in the field of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive), continue to face challenges in applying IoT effectively within teaching and workplace contexts. This preliminary study aimed to explore lecturers’ perceptions of IoT competency, identify challenges in classroom and workplace application, and examine the necessity of a structured IoT competency framework for Polytechnic educators. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with three Polytechnic lecturers. Thematic analysis revealed that while lecturers acknowledged the importance of IoT in enhancing teaching relevance and industry alignment, significant gaps exist in terms of knowledge, confidence, and availability of supporting frameworks or training modules. Respondents emphasized the need for a structured competency model to guide IoT integration in both teaching and industry practices. The findings highlight critical implications for curriculum development, professional training, and policy initiatives to strengthen IoT capacity among Polytechnic lecturers. This study provides an early foundation for developing an IoT competency model that can inform broader implementation in Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.