As many as 75 laboratory assistants from 75 Vocational High Schools in Indonesia visited Vocational School UGM on Thursday (14/9) as a part of technical training activity for increasing competency of vocational education. The visit was held as a synergy between Vocational High School and UGM Vocational School as well as a facility for educational workforce to increase their competence and comprehension on vocational education.
“This visit aims to give them an opportunity to know tools maintenance and operation as well as fundamental things that have to be available in the educational laboratory,” said the Head of Planning Section in Ministry of Education and Culture, Muhammad Iswandi, S.H., M.Sc.
Iswandi said, from all participants who attended this technical training, more than 80% of them joined this kind of event for the first time. On the other hand, the enhancement of educational workforce’ competency is one of the important things that have to be done in order to develop a qualified vocational education.
“If they never attend technical training, how they can verify their work. Through this technical training, the laboratory assistants can increase their knowledge and we will conduct a certification in the future,” he added.
This event obtained a positive response from Dean of Vocational School UGM, Wikan Sakarinto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. In his opening speech, he said he will always be open for educational institutions that want to visit and directly see the implementation of educational activities at Vocational School UGM.
Currently, according to Wikan, education sector in Indonesia is experiencing an alarming symptom where students only seek for degree and a good grade but do not seek for competencies which are required in the job field. It is one of the criticisms often delivered by businessmen who want to recruit university graduates.
Therefore, Wikan said it is essential for vocational education institutions to be synergized in developing vocational education in Indonesia in order to hold an ideal education which is as qualified as educational education in developed countries.
“We are ambitious to invite vocational education institutions in Indonesia to unite to be the best vocational education in the world. Therefore, it requires a comprehensive relationship between Vocational High School and Higher Education. Hopefully, in the future, vocational education can become the solution for the current issues in Indonesia,” said Wikan.