Collaboration between training institutions and industries for skills development through education and training is very critical. However, miscommunication and misconception about the collaboration between these parties can lead to afailed partnership. Thus, this preliminary study has been done to analyze the importance of collaboration between Malaysian vocational training institutions and the industry. A quantitative approach using survey research design has been chosen for this study involving 92 respondents consisting industry players, vocational training institutions staff, and vocational training institutions alumni. The findings have emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and vocational training institutions to improve vocational training institutions graduate to meet the industry criteria and standard. The finding also shares the factors and barriers that influence the collaboration between industry and vocational training institutions. These factors and barriers need to be looked into to ensure a successful partnership between industry and vocational training institutions. Furthermore, the findings also suggested that the government plays a vital role in ensuring the collaboration between vocational training institutions and industry is a success. It is hoped that the findings will give an insight to the stakeholders in planning a successful partnership between vocational training institutions and the industry.