OPERASIONAL TVET DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESIAPAN KERJA: ANALISIS MANAJEMEN INSTITUSI, WORKSHOP, METODE PELATIHAN DAN KURIKULUM

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in improving students’ employability in Indonesian Vocational High Schools (SMK). The analysis focuses on four operational components: institutional management, workshop organization, training approaches, and industry-based curriculum practices. The research background highlights the persistent mismatch between the expected role of SMK as producers of skilled workers and the low employment rate of their graduates. Using a qualitative case study in selected SMK, the findings reveal that improving work readiness depends not only on teaching competencies but also on the effectiveness of operational systems in these four areas. The results show that institutional governance largely shapes industrial collaboration, instructional quality, and evaluation systems aligned with labor market demands. Industry-standard workshops significantly strengthen students’ technical skills through practical activities using relevant tools and procedures. Training models such as project-based learning, teaching factory, and internships enhance practical competencies and work attitudes. Meanwhile, flexible and collaborative curricula improve the relevance of graduate skills to industry needs. Keyword: TVET, SMK, kesiapan kerja, workshop kejuruan, kurikulum industri, pelatihan vokasi Abstrak: Penelitian ini mengkaji penerapan Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) dalam meningkatkan kesiapan kerja peserta didik di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) di Indonesia. Fokus penelitian mencakup empat aspek utama, yaitu manajemen institusi, pengelolaan workshop, metode pelatihan, dan implementasi kurikulum berbasis industri. Latar belakang penelitian didasari rendahnya serapan lulusan SMK di pasar kerja meskipun SMK ditujukan sebagai penghasil tenaga kerja terampil. Melalui studi kasus kualitatif pada beberapa SMK, ditemukan bahwa peningkatan kesiapan kerja tidak hanya ditentukan oleh kemampuan pedagogis guru, tetapi juga oleh kualitas operasional keempat aspek tersebut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tata kelola manajemen berperan penting dalam menjalin kemitraan industri, mengatur mutu pembelajaran, dan merancang sistem evaluasi berbasis kebutuhan pasar. Workshop berstandar industri turut meningkatkan kompetensi teknis siswa melalui praktik menggunakan peralatan dan prosedur terkini. Metode pelatihan seperti project-based learning, teaching factory, dan magang industri mendorong keterampilan praktis serta etos kerja. Kurikulum yang fleksibel dan disusun bersama industri memperkuat relevansi kompetensi lulusan. Penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa keberhasilan TVET membutuhkan sinergi kebijakan antara sekolah, industri, dan pemerintah dalam pendanaan, kurikulum, sertifikasi, dan penyediaan instruktur. Kata kunci: TVET, SMK, kesiapan kerja, workshop kejuruan, kurikulum industri, pelatihan vokasi.