Facing Job Competition by Enrolling in Vocational School

Getting a job takes work, mainly if you rely solely on your bachelor's degree to compete in the job market. It requires additional personal skills to catch the attention of companies and help you survive in a highly competitive environment.

The Director General of Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Wikan Sakarinto, stated that the pandemic has caused Indonesia's economic growth to decline by 0.74 percent compared to 2020. This economic downturn has been accompanied by a slowdown in the job market, making it increasingly challenging to secure employment during the pandemic as companies have become more selective in hiring.

What Are the Advantages of Pursuing Vocational Education?

Today's workforce must possess the ability to compete effectively during the pandemic. Companies now require employees with new competencies due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. More than basic skills are needed; individuals must continuously enhance and develop themselves to increase their marketability in winning the competition in the job market, including in the global arena.

Vocational education can be a primary consideration for those who want to prepare themselves for the job market better. What are the advantages of pursuing vocational education?

Opportunities for a Career Aligned with Your Interests

You can continue your education at universities or colleges that offer vocational programs and enroll directly in institutions that provide the same programs. This allows you to determine your career and future according to your interests, minimizing the risk of choosing the wrong major, a common occurrence among many Indonesian students. One of the educational goals is to produce prospective workers with more specific skills.

A Variety of Specialized Programs

You should know that vocational schools offer a more comprehensive range of majors. Consider choosing a major that aligns with your long-standing passions, whether focusing on foreign languages, agro-industry, engineering, network technology, hospitality, tourism, etc. Enrolling in a vocational program gives you a say in shaping your specialization. High professionalism is a distinct advantage of vocational graduates that you should be aware of. Additionally, you will still earn a degree matching your vocational school expertise.

CONCLUSION

By enrolling in vocational school, you can prepare students or learners with practical knowledge and skills specifically designed for certain jobs or professions (OECD, 2009). Therefore, the design of vocational education should be closely related to the kinds of jobs needed in the industry, both domestically and internationally. The curriculum developed by vocational schools and colleges should be based on industry demands, including the type of skills and work attitudes required.