Implementation of School and Industry Partnership in Improving Graduates' Competencies: Best Practice at Smk Muhammadiyah 1 Salam Magelang
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51278/aj.v8i2.2611Keywords:
Vocational Education, School-Industry Partnerships, Graduate Competencies, Work-Based Learning, Curriculum Synchronization, Work ReadinessAbstract
This study aims to analyze and model best practices for partnerships between schools and the Business and Industry (DUDI) in improving graduate competencies at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Salam, Magelang. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results show that the partnership is implemented systematically and integratedly through curriculum synchronization, industry involvement in competency assessment, implementation of industrial work practices (prakerin), on-the-job training (OJT) for teachers, graduate recruitment, and funding and facility support. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of the partnership is not determined by the number of programs, but rather by the level of integration between planning, implementation, evaluation, and graduate transition to the workforce. Curriculum synchronization increases the relevance of learning, while industry involvement in evaluation strengthens the validity of competencies. Experiential learning through prakerin and OJT contributes significantly to strengthening technical skills and work attitudes. This study produces an integrative partnership model that connects the curriculum, industry-based learning, and graduate absorption pathways, so that it can serve as a reference in the development of more relevant and sustainable vocational education.
References
Ahmad, A., Kamin, Y., Minghat, A. D., Nordin, M. K., Farzeha, D., & Nabil, A. (2014). Vocational Teaching Method : A Conceptual Model in Teaching Automotive Practical Work. 8(8), 2536–2539. Retrieved 02 March, 2026.
Ahmad, A., & Latib Ab, N. (2015). Teaching in Automotive Practical Task : Practices in Vocational Colleges. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 204(November 2014), 290–299. Retrieved 02 March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.08.155
Akmal, Ambiyar, Usmeldi, & Fadillah, R. (2025). Developing and Assessing the Impact of an Integrated STEM Project-Based Learning Model in Vocational Education for Enhanced Competence and Employability. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnologia, 5, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20251786
Anselmann, S., Faßhauer, U., & Windelband, L. (2024). Investigating Learning Factories as a Learning Environment in Vocational Education and Training. Creative Education, 15(2), 1337–1358. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2024.157081
Antera, S. (2021). Professional Competence of Vocational Teachers: a Conceptual Review. Vocations and Learning, 14(3), 459–479. Retrieved 05 March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-021-09271-7
Birchler, K., & Michaelowa, K. (2016). Making aid work for education in developing countries: An analysis of aid effectiveness for primary education coverage and quality. International Journal of Educational Development, 48, 37–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2015.11.008
Darling-Hammond, L., Flook, L., Cook-Harvey, C., Barron, B., & Osher, D. (2020). Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791
Fadli, M. R. (2021). Memahami desain metode penelitian kualitatif. 21(1), 33–54. https://doi.org/10.21831/hum.v21i1. Google Scholar
Guile, D., & Spinuzzi, C. (2023). “Fractional” Vocational Working and Learning in Project Teams: “Project Assemblage” as a Unit of Analysis? Vocations and Learning, 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-023-09330-1
Hadromi. (2018). A model for a vocational school-corporate/industry partnership to improve students’ technical skills. World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, 16(1), 89–94.
Handoyono, N. A., Suparmin, Samidjo, Johan, A. B., & Suyitno. (2020). Project-based learning model with real object in vocational school learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1700(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1700/1/012045
Hermans, S., Neutens, T., wyffels, F., & Van Petegem, P. (2024). Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration. Education Sciences, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020206
Iskandar, R., Arifin, Z., & Sudira, P. (2020). Problems of automotive vocational teaching-learning process for students with mild intellectual disability (MID). International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(7 Special Issue), 417–424.
Li, W. (2024). Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1), 1–15.
López, F., Contreras, M., Nussbaum, M., Paredes, R., Gelerstein, D., Alvares, D., & Chiuminatto, P. (2023). Developing Critical Thinking in Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Education Sciences, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13060590
M. Aris Akin, Ulfiani Rahman, S. O. (2026). Memahami konsep Dasar Penelitian Kualitatif. Jurnal Teaching: Jurnl Inovasi Keguruan Dan Ilmu Pendidikan, 6(1), 1–9. Google Scholar
Mahendra, S., Soenarto, Sofyan, H., & Rohmantoro, D. (2019). The teacherpreneur character of vocational high school teacher in Indonesia. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(2), 5877–5880. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.B3786.078219
Maina, M. F., Guàrdia Ortiz, L., Mancini, F., & Martinez Melo, M. (2022). A micro-credentialing methodology for improved recognition of HE employability skills. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00315-5
Mcgunagle, D. (2020). Employability Skills for 21st Century STEM Students : The Employers ’ Perspective.
Mekarisce, A. A. (2020). Teknik Pemeriksaan Keabsahan Data pada Penelitian Kualitatif di Bidang Kesehatan Masyarakat Data Validity Check Techniques in Qualitative Research in Public Health. Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan Masyarakat, 12(33). Google Scholar
Nadzeri, M. B., Musa, M., Meng, C. C., & Ismail, I. M. (2023). Bridging the Industry 4.0 Skills Gap: An Immersive Augmented Reality Mobile Learning Approach for Vocational Education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 17(15), 135–154.
Nurtanto, M., Sofyan, H., Pardjono, P., & Suyitno, S. (2020). Development model for competency improvement and national vocational qualification support frames in automotive technology. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 9(1), 168–176. Retrieved 06 March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v9i1.20447
Nurtanto, M., Sudira, P., Sofyan, H., Kholifah, N., & Triyanto, T. (2022). Professional Identity of Vocational Teachers in the 21st Century in Indonesia. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 35(3), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2022/v35i3/22085
Omar, M. K., Muhamad, W. M. W., Ismail, N., Zakaria, A., & Kadir, K. M. (2023). Employability Skills and Career Development Self-Efficacy as Indicators for Workforce Success. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 15(3 Special Issue), 118–130. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2023.15.03.011
Pacher, C., Woschank, M., & Zunk, B. M. (2023). The Role of Competence Profiles in Industry 5.0-Related Vocational Education and Training: Exemplary Development of a Competence Profile for Industrial Logistics Engineering Education. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 13(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053280
Pickering, M. E., Jopp, R., & Wheeler, M. A. (2024). Authentic learning and job readiness : Are mixed-reality simulations effective tools for preparing business students for the real world ? Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 40(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.9296 15
Polat, Z., Uzmanoǧlu, S., Işgören, N. Ç., Çinar, A., Tektaş, N., Oral, B., Büyükpehlivan, G., Ulusman, L., & Öznaz, D. (2010). Internship education analysis of vocational school students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 3452–3456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.533
Purnawan, P., Santosa, B., & Kurniawan, A. (2020). Automotive Vocational High School: How Career Guidance and Parents Support Impact the Students’ Work Readiness. Journal of Vocational Education Studies, 3(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.12928/joves.v3i1.2142
Roll, M. J. J., & Ifenthaler, D. (2021). Multidisciplinary digital competencies of pre-service vocational teachers. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40461-021-00112-4
Ruslin, R. (2017). The Learning Experience of Automotive Students at a Vocational School in Indonesia: Perspectives of School Stakeholders. Thesis, November 2017. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.27601.89445
Schulz, W., Solga, H., & Pollak, R. (2023). Vocational education, tertiary education, and skill use across career stages. European Sociological Review, 39(5), 741–758. https://doi.org/10.1093/esr/jcac074
Silor, A. C., Silor, F. S. C., & City, I. (2025). Harnessing TVET for New Literacies : An Experimental Study on Enhancing 21st Century Competencies. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(11), 144–160. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.11.7
Suartini, T. (2019). Influence Application of Learning Model on Vocational Education Based on Quality Issurance. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019851552
Sudarsono, B., Tentama, F., Ghozali, F. A., & Listyaningrum, P. (2023). Industry-Oriented Experiential Learning Model to Enhance Vocational High School Students’ Job Readiness. Journal of Education Research and Evaluation, 7(3), 380–390. https://doi.org/10.23887/jere.v7i3.54224
Sugihartini, N., Elmunsyah, H., Nurhadi, D., & Rahmawati, Y. (2025). Innovative web-based microteaching model: To improve the teaching skills of prospective informatics teachers in vocational high schools. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 11(January), 101344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101344
Sutiman, S., Sofyan, H., Arifin, Z., Nurtanto, M., & Mutohhari, F. (2022). Industry and Education Practitioners’ Perceptions Regarding the Implementation of Work-Based Learning through Industrial Internship (WBL-II). International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 12(10), 1090–1097. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2022.12.10.1725
Suyatmo, S., Prayitno, H., Artha, W., & Isti, D. (2025). Acta Psychologica Preparing industry-ready graduates : Interplay of lecturer behavior , self-motivation , and soft skill development in vocational education. Acta Psychologica, 261(November), 105892. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105892
Tanggu Mara, A. A. P., Jaya, D. J., Alfiyandri, A., Rafiuddin, R., & Saputra, T. W. (2025). Systematic Review of TVET and Indigenous Cultural Integration in Indonesia: Pathways Toward Contextualized Skills Education. F1000Research, 14(1159), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.170399.1
Thamizhiniyan, K., Vijaykumar, R., & Naseema, S. (2022). Emerging Trends and Knowledge Domain in Vocational Education: A Global Perspective. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 35(4), 85–94. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2022/v35i4/22107
Usmeldi, U., & Amini, R. (2022). Creative project-based learning model to increase creativity of vocational high school students. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 11(4), 2155–2164. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v11i4.21214
Wang, L., Ye, J., & Lee, Y. (2022). Analysis of influencing factors of subjective career unsuccessfulness of vocational college graduates from the Department of Navigation in. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(November), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1015190
Wismansyah, A. R., Kadir, A. R., Baja, S., & Amar, M. Y. (2024). Sustainable vocational education models for industrial revolution role in development of job market absorption in Tangerang City, Indonesia. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(6), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i6.3958
Xu, J. (2024). The Effectiveness of PjBL in the Acquisition of Skills in Higher Vocational Education: A Qualitative Approach. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences (PJLSS), 22(2), 16693–16712. https://doi.org/10.57239/pjlss-2024-22.2.001213
Yang, C., Kaiser, F., Tang, H., Chen, P., & Diao, J. (2023). Sustaining the Quality Development of German Vocational Education and Training in the Age of Digitalization: Challenges and Strategies. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(4). Retrieved 08 March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043845
Yang, M., & Paramalingam, M. (2025). Research on the cultivation of vocational ability of students in higher vocational institutions. Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, 13(2), 506–525. Retrieved 10 March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.18488/73.v13i2.4177
Yanto, D. T. P., Kabatiah, M., Zaswita, H., Giatman, G., & Effendi, H. (2023). Development of Virtual Learning using Problem-Based Learning Models for Vocational Education Students. Elinvo (Electronics, Informatics, and Vocational Education), 7(2), 163–172. Retrieved 02 March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.21831/elinvo.v7i2.52473
Youyou, L., & Kit, A. C. (2023). Practical Research on Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Film and Television Production in Xiamen Vocational Education. Journal of Advanced Zoology, 44(S-6 Year), 1398–1417. Google Scholar
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Hesti Risatina; Bambang Sudarsono, Enung Hasanah

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

