UNDIP, Semarang (3/5) – Vocational School of Universitas Diponegoro reaffirmed its commitment in strengthening industry-based vocational education through Workshop, Exhibition, and Launching Automation and Robotic Development Center (ARDC) activities that took place successfully and with high enthusiasm.
This activity was attended by more than 80 partners consisting of industry representatives, universities, and vocational high school teachers from various regions. This high participation reflects an increasingly strong spirit of collaboration in building a vocational education ecosystem that is relevant to the needs of the industrial world, especially in the field of automation and robotics.
In his remarks, the Dean of UNDIP Vocational School emphasized that vocational education should bring the learning process closer to the real world of work. The closer the learning is to industry practice, the more prepared the graduates are to face future challenges.
“If we want Indonesia’s industry to be strong, then we must start from vocational education that is really close to the world of work,” he said.
The Dean also emphasized the importance of structured and sustainable educational pathways, that is from vocational high schools to vocational education, and then to the industrial world. Vocational high school became the foundation of basic skills, while vocational education plays a role in strengthening and maturing competencies to suit the needs of modern industries.
“The Automation and Robotic Development Center is not just a facility, but a real bridge between campus and industry. This is where college students not only learn about theory, but also work and solve real problems such as in the world of work, ” he continued.
On that occasion, strategic industry partners were present, including PT Berkah Solusindo and Wekon Technology. The presence of this international industry strengthens the global dimension in the development of vocational education at UNDIP Vocational School.
One of the main sessions in this activity was a presentation from Wekon Technology representative, Mr. Michelin, who explained the importance of utilizing automation technology in increasing efficiency, productivity, and industrial competitiveness in the global era. This presentation provides participants with direct insight into the direction of modern technology-based industries development.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Automation Engineering Technology Study Program, Priyo Sasmoko, confirmed that the Automation Engineering Technology Study Program has consistently developed the Teaching Factory concept which is now strengthened through the presence of ARDC. This is realized through strengthening industry-based curriculum, direct practice, and active collaboration with industry partners.
The activity was then followed by a presentation session from lecturers of the Automation Engineering Technology Study Program who explained various innovations in the field of automation and robotics, as well as the contribution of ARDC in improving student competence. The presentation was also strengthened by PT Berkah Solusindo which shared the best practices of technology implementation in the industry.
Another important momentum in this activity was the signing of a cooperation agreement between UNDIP Vocational School and Wekon Technology, PT Berkah Solusindo, as well as several other industry partners. This signing is a concrete step in strengthening long-term synergies, ranging from curriculum development, internship programs, to graduate recruitment opportunities.
Through the launch of the Automation and Robotic Development Center (ARDC), UNDIP Vocational School further affirms its role as an adaptive, collaborative, and industry-oriented vocational education institution. ARDC is expected to become a superior learning model in producing graduates who are ready to work, innovative, and globally competitive. (SV Public Communication)