The opening day of the Laboratory Management Workshop at Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) began with a warm welcome session that introduced the goals and expectations for the week. Participants were greeted in the medium meeting room before embarking on a guided visit to TEFA Milk and several teaching laboratories. This agenda set the foundation for a week-long exchange of expertise between POLIJE and Skill for Competitiveness (S4C) consultants from BFH-HAFL, Switzerland.
The visit to TEFA Milk allowed participants to gain firsthand insights into the teaching factory concept applied at POLIJE. TEFA Milk has long been recognized as a practical learning hub where students engage in real industry processes under academic guidance. The tour highlighted milk processing facilities, quality assurance mechanisms, and the integration of teaching with production.
During the session, S4C consultants emphasized the importance of blending academic knowledge with industry standards. They expressed appreciation for POLIJE’s commitment to maintaining a balance between theoretical learning and hands-on practice. This approach, they noted, contributes to producing graduates who are competitive in both local and global labor markets.
POLIJE leaders also took the opportunity to present the broader goals of the collaboration. The workshop aims not only to strengthen laboratory management but also to introduce sustainable practices in food production. The visit was therefore designed to spark curiosity and set a collaborative tone for the rest of the program.
The interaction fostered enthusiasm among participants, particularly as they discussed how TEFA Milk could serve as a model for future international cooperation. The shared goal for the week was clear: to bridge educational practices with applied industry standards while enhancing innovation.
This initial session concluded with optimism, leaving participants eager to delve into the technical and pedagogical exchanges planned for the following days.