UGM Professional Certification Agency (LSP UGM) has conducted its first-ever competency tests for three occupational certification schemes: Occupational Health and Safety Experts (K3), Senior Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Mechanics, and Travel Consultants.
These schemes aim to enhance graduates’ competencies and serve as a collaborative link between the university and industry.
“Certification helps individuals find careers that match their skills while also meeting industry needs based on individual competencies,” said Professor Gandes Retno Rahayu, UGM Director of Education and Teaching, in a statement sent to the media on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
She explained that the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) observed the first-ever competency test for UGM students and graduates.
In accordance with BNSP’s guidelines, LSP UGM is expected to be a leader in meeting the need for competent human resources in industry and other sectors.
Previously, UGM conducted an assessment phase on Aug. 16, 2024, involving 12 students and graduates from the schemes.
“This competency test aims to assess whether the graduates of UGM’s professional programs have the skills aligned with the learning outcomes of their courses,” she added.
During this testing phase, Sanromo Wijayanto and Dr. Bagus Marijanto served as BNSP Witness Team members, observing the competency tests at the Teaching Industry Learning Center, Vocational College (SV UGM).
One of the test participants, Iddo Bagus Prasetyo, expressed his pride after receiving certification as a Senior Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Mechanic from LSP UGM.
The test material on hydraulic systems was highly relevant to his coursework. Prasetyo, currently interning at the mining company PT Ansaf Inti Resources in Samarinda, shared his experience of applying theoretical knowledge in the field.
“I truly felt that the hydraulic system theory I learned in class was very useful during my internship and provided me with the tools to solve real-world problems,” Prasetyo explained.
The company’s heavy equipment uses similar hydraulic systems, which made it easier for him to apply what he had learned in his studies to his work.
Arya Candra Ahmad Somadi, an SV UGM Travel Business Program graduate, was also enthusiastic after receiving certification as a travel consultant.
He shared his experience preparing for the competency test by revisiting his coursework.
He discovered that many subjects he studied could be directly applied to his professional work.
“I’m pleased with the results; they make me more competent and boost my career in the tourism industry, which I’ve been involved in since my university years,” Somadi said.
As a travel consultant, he must master hospitality skills, such as recording trip details, handling hotel reservations, noting guest requests, arranging transportation, and understanding travel routes.
In occupational health and safety (K3), Igarintya Surya, a Health Information Management program student at SV UGM, expressed his happiness after being declared competent as a K3 expert.
His internship experience at a clinic made it easier for him to undergo the competency test.
“We were given a project-based exam. In case of a specific situation or incident, we were tested on what actions to take as K3 experts,” Surya concluded.
Reporter: B. Diah Listianingsih
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang