Skills and global knowledge need to be had by young generation in the globalisation era. Human resource development in Indonesia, therefore, needs to be done to get more competitive globally. This can be done, among others, through vocational education.
“Vocational education can help Indonesian human resource that is competitive globally,” said former Minister of Research and Technology, Dr. Muhammad A.S. Hikam, on Thursday (10/8) to the 2,194 new students of UGM Vocational School.
In a Studium Generale, Hikam described the role of vocational study in enhancing human resource quality in the global era. He said the young generation had to be competitive and continue to develop themselves as well as technology to have more value, in addition to nurturing nationalism and ethics.
He said the industrial demand of young manpower that is skillful is very high. The industry also needs manpower that has good softskills, adaptable to changes, innovative and high endurance.
“Your choice to study Vocational School is the the right step to prepare yourselves for the future in the global era towards a glorious Indonesia,” he said in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM.
Vocational education, he said, was one that orientates towards specific skills and expertise, also ready for work. The graduates will thus be able to compete globally as they are already focused on skill development and applicable technology.
A.S. Hikam mentioned that Indonesia had been predicted to have demographic bonus in 2020-2030 when Indonesian workforce will reach as high as 70 percent. The bonus has to be prepared well by preparing human resource and work market so it can give benefits to the state.
“It’s important for the young generation to prepare themselves with adequate skills and knowledge, because the future of Indonesia lies in your hands,” he concluded.
Dean of the School, Wikan Sakarinto, Ph.D., said the School was now focusing on Diploma Four and Applied Undergraduate study programme as an effort to provide more opportunities for graduates from Diploma Three to take on a higher level of education.
Wikan further explained apprenticeship programme opportunities, scholarships, and collaborations with partners both in the country or abroad for the development of Vocational School. He also shared tips for softskills, manners, health, and integrity.