Increased Competitiveness and Work readiness of Students Four Year Vocational High School (VHS)

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of achievement of the fourth year Vocational School education program towards increasing student competitiveness and work readiness. The main objective of the fourth year vocational program is to equip students and graduates with various competencies in order to develop graduates capabilities in finding jobs, assigning work, entrepreneurship, pursuing the work faced and renewing their work skills. This research was conducted through a literature review of references originating from the theories and results of relevant research, and continued through focus group discussions. Relevant references include the policies of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, guidance on the implementation of the fourth year vocational program, relevant research results, namely evaluations of four years vocational programs, and influencing factors in increase in competitiveness and work readiness graduates. The study found: (1) reviewed from the curriculum of fourth years vocational school graduates having more work experience in the industry in the fourth year; (2) in terms of the competency of fourth year vocational school graduates having better competence than the third year vocational program; (3) in terms of industry interest, fourth year vocational graduates have more acceptance as labor in the industry than third year graduates.