Strengthening School-Stakeholder Partnerships to Enhance Graduate Employability: A Case Study of Vocational High School in East Lombok- Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the extensive initiatives made by SMKN 1 Selong to fortify alliances with different stakeholders in order to maximize its graduates' integration into the labor market. The rising unemployment rate among graduates of vocational schools served as the impetus for the study, underscoring the pressing need for improved industry-school cooperation. The study's qualitative methodology and one case study design enabled a thorough analysis of actual procedures and difficulties. In-depth document analysis, participant observation, and interviews with educators, school administrators, and business partners were all used to gather data. The results of the study showed that a number of strategic initiatives, such as the active growth of industry networks and the purposeful alignment of the curriculum with changing labor market demands, were essential to the partnerships' success. These initiatives improved the relevance of students' skills and increased their chances of finding work. The study did, however, reveal several persistent problems as well: a lack of suitable industry partners in the region, insufficient school resources to support partnership projects, and significant student unpreparedness for workplace expectations. The research, meanwhile, shows that enhancing job results for vocational school graduates calls for great dedication from all parties involved, continuous creative work in partnership models, and continuous cooperation. The study provides analysis and guidance for future research meant to investigate and enhance school-industry cooperation practices, as well as useful recommendations for industry partners and educational institutions.