[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran holds a Vocational Education Transformation Seminar entitled “Strengthening the Potential and Connectivity of Vocational Education with the Industry World,” at Bale Rucita, Unpad Rectorate Building, Jatinangor, Monday (13/5/2024).
On this occasion, Director General of Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education and Culture, 2020-2022 Wikan Sakarinto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D, attends the seminar as a speaker.
In his presentation, Wikan stated that some matters were needed to be considered in the development of a vocational program, such as aligning the curriculum with industry, implementing project-based Learning, competency certification, and continuously updating professors’ skills.
“Not only updating the hard skills, professors also needs to be trained in coaching. Therefore, they comprehend the atmosphere of industry. Students will align with the industry needs, because the industry needs soft skills and character,” said Wikan.
Wikan explained that project-based learning can be applied to students, and one of them is by Teaching Factory (Tefa). In Tefa, the planned project is not only in the form of simulation or experiment but also until it produces products that consumers can enjoy.
According to Wikan, learning through Tefa needs to involve students. Not only are they engaged in technical or production aspects, but students must also immerse themselves in all areas that match their interests.
“So, if Tefa struggles, seeks turnover, needs consumers, makes products, and is the manager, that’s for the professors. Students are just asked to help with technical aspects; that’s not Tefa because there’s no teaching involved,” said Wikan.
In his opening speech, vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Prof,. Arief S. Kartasasmit,a said that this event is a good opportunity to open insights into vocational education running at Unpad.
Prof. Arief hopes that this event becomes a good beginning for the transformation of vocational education at Unpad.
“Hopefully, with this meeting, it will be the next starting point for Unpad to continue growing, developing vocational education as we aspire,” hoped Prof. Arief. (art/SA)*
