ARTIKEL (HALUANOOS.COM) -Every year, thousands of high school and university graduates leave Indonesia’s education system with one big question: where will I work? Ironically, while many graduates struggle to find jobs, industries constantly complain about the shortage of skilled workers. Here lies the paradox of our education system: schools and universities produce diplomas, while the job market demands real skills.
Education Out of Sync with the Job Market
For years, students are fed with theory but given little practice. They know the definition of entrepreneurship but have never tried running a small business. They memorize project management concepts but have never led a real project. As a result, graduates are often “smart on paper” but clumsy in the workplace.
The answer, at least in part, lies in vocational education: training that directly equips students with technical skills demanded by the market. In many developed countries, vocational education is seen as a strategic path, not a second-class option. But in Indonesia, it still carries a stigma: that vocational schools are only for those who “couldn’t make it to university.”
Breaking the Stigma
This stigma is harmful. It discourages many students from choosing vocational schools or polytechnics, when in fact those institutions can provide them with highly marketable skills. We need to shift our perspective: vocational education is not a last resort, but a strategic choice for those who want to be independent, productive, and industry-ready.
The Role of Government and Industry
Of course, vocational education cannot succeed alone. The government must strengthen collaboration between schools and industries. Curricula must be continuously updated to keep pace with technological change, not just copied from outdated syllabi. Meanwhile, companies should open their doors wider for internships, allowing students to learn directly from real-world experiences instead of only from classrooms.
From Job Seekers to Job Creators
More importantly, vocational education should not only prepare students to “look for jobs,” but also to “create jobs.” Technical skills must be complemented with digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. That way, graduates are not only employable but capable of driving change in their communities.
Penulis: Riska Ramadhani Oktavia
(Mahasiswa Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau, Semester 3)
Dosen pembimbing : Prih Febri Ningsih, M. Pd