In line with the dynamics of the millennial industry and government programs aimed at developing human resources to compete with other developed countries, there is a growing demand for skilled and professional graduates in their respective fields. This development program applies to the vocational competencies of graduates from the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) Study Program at the Vocational School of Diponegoro University (UNDIP), who have been prepared to face the challenges, needs, and demands of today’s and tomorrow’s job market, given the increasing demand for skilled workers both domestically and internationally.
Mohamad Endy Julianto S.T., M.T., Head of the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) Study Program at the Vocational School of UNDIP, confirmed this. He mentioned that universities are required to continuously innovate and enhance learning creativity in line with the needs of the global industry.
“The TRKI program has prepared skilled and competent human resources in their fields through the revitalization of vocational higher education. The implementation of the Revitalization Program includes a dual system, teaching factory, retooling (retraining), industry practitioners, and the Competency Certification Agency (Lembaga Sertifikasi Kompetensi / LSP),” Endy explained.
“The impact has been remarkable, with various industries frequently coming to campus to recruit employees. In fact, some alumni from the D3 Chemical Engineering program, which has now transformed into the Applied Bachelor’s TRKI program at the Vocational School of UNDIP, have been employed in Qatar’s Petrochemical sector. Among them are 2014 alumni such as Aditiya Marga Nanta and Dinu Aji Azam Bahtiar, who are working at QAFCO (Qatar Fertilizer), while Pingki Alba Taruna works at QCHEM (Qatar Chemical),” he said.
On a separate occasion, Aditiya Marga Nanta, commonly known as Adit, shared his experience, stating that he never imagined during his studies at UNDIP Vocational School that he would work abroad, especially in a country known for having the largest GDP in the world. He explained that many parties played a role, along with a long process, leading to the job he holds today.
“It started with PT. Chandra Asri Pacific, which conducted direct hiring at the UNDIP Vocational School campus, making it easier for me as a fresh graduate. With the knowledge imparted by lecturers who have implemented vocational higher education revitalization, I obtained various training and competency certificates, which were crucial during the recruitment process for working at Petrokimia Cilegon,” Adit explained.
“The combination of lab practicals and participation in research projects with lecturers also made it easier for me to understand and deepen the courses integrated with the industry where I work, in PT. Chandra Asri Pacific. There, my perspective expanded as I discovered that many seniors from the Petrochemical industry were working abroad, particularly in the Middle East. From that moment, I became interested and motivated to pursue work abroad,” he added.
“Alhamdulillah, earlier this year, a Qatar Petrochemical company was conducting hiring in Jakarta, and I immediately applied through an agent to join the hiring process. My experience at PT. Chandra Asri Pacific greatly helped me during the tests and interviews, and eventually, I was accepted at a fertilizer company in Qatar,” Adit said.
Bahtiar further revealed that the role of practitioner lecturers and those who have undergone retooling abroad always motivated and delivered lectures with vivid and in-depth illustrations through project-based learning. This method significantly helped guide students in applying their knowledge, enabling them to work in the Petrochemical industry.
Pingki Alba Taruna, affectionately known as Pingki, added that the learning process that adopted the dual system was highly regarded, even though the percentage was still relatively low at the time. However, this learning system helped graduates develop both mentally and physically, and the case-study-based learning in the industry through the dual system boosted confidence when seeking employment.
“Certainly, you must be dedicated to following all the learning programs at UNDIP Vocational School, as these programs are highly beneficial in preparing graduates for the needs of the global job market. Nevertheless, do not overlook non-academic activities, as they help hone soft skills, especially communication, which is considered very important in the workplace,” Adit advised. (M. Endy – Vocational School; DHW – Public Relations)
