IMPROVE LEARNING QUALITY, POLIJE ASSISTS TUTUR STATE SMK IN INDUSTRY-BASED CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT

Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) continues to strengthen its commitment in producing graduates who are competent and ready to compete in the job market through industry-based curriculum alignment. This initiative is an important part of supporting the development of vocational education in Indonesia, which aims to prepare graduates with skills according to industry qualifications.

One of Polije’s concrete steps is assistance in the activities of the SMK Center of Excellence (SMK-PK) at SMK Negeri Tutur. Through close cooperation between Polije, SMK Negeri Tutur, and PT Greenfields Indonesia, a curriculum alignment workshop was held. This activity aims to adapt learning materials to industry needs, ensuring that graduates have competencies that are in line with current and future labor market demands.

The workshop which lasted for several days involved various parties, including lecturers from Polije, teachers from SMK Negeri Tutur, and representatives from PT Greenfields Indonesia. One of the lecturers from Polije, Rizki Amalia Nurfitriani, participated in this activity. She said that the main focus of this workshop was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the existing curriculum and identify competencies needed by the industry.

“The results of this discussion and collaboration resulted in a curriculum alignment document that was validated by various related parties, including educational institutions and industry partners. This document not only contains adjustments to learning materials but also teaching strategies that are more interactive and practical, with an emphasis on direct experience in the industry,” Rizky Amalia explained.

In addition, PT Greenfields Indonesia, as an industry partner, provided valuable input regarding competency standards and skills required by companies in related sectors.

With this curriculum alignment, it is expected that graduates from SMK Negeri Tutur and other vocational education institutions will be better prepared to meet the needs of the job market.

“They are expected to not only be ready to work but also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, allowing them to create new jobs in the future,” Rizky added.

The industry-based curriculum alignment program is expected to become a model for other educational institutions in Indonesia.

“Thus, collaboration between the world of education and industry can continue and develop, creating graduates who not only have strong theoretical knowledge but also practical skills needed in the world of work,” he continued.

Politeknik Negeri Jember is committed to continuing to support and expand this initiative as part of efforts to improve the quality of vocational education in Indonesia. With this approach, Polije hopes to make a real contribution in creating human resources who are superior, competent, and ready to face the era of globalization and the industrial revolution 4.0. (rda)