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Minister sees Germany, Switzerland as models for vocational schools
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Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita (right), speaks in a press conference. (JP/Winny Tang)
I
ndustry Minister Airlangga Hartarto has urged the country to use developed countries like Germany or Switzerland as examples in developing vocational schools as an inseparable part of the industrialization process.
“If we take a look at Germany or Switzerland, 16-year-old kids start getting involved in the industrialization process by being invited to work as interns in real factories. As a result, by the time they reach 19 they're already prepared [to enter the workforce]," Airlangga said in Jakarta on Thursday.
“This kind of factory traineeship concept will benefit the industry in the long run as companies will get skilled labor with good competency.”
(Read also: Govt. must seriously address jobs-workforce mismatch)
Furthermore, he called on all industry players to lend a hand to jointly develop such a program in the country.
Late last year, five ministries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve the vocational education system by involving industry players to develop a curriculum and provide additional instructors for vocational schools.
Those aforementioned ministries are the Industry Ministry, Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry, Culture and Education Ministry, State-Owned Enterprises Ministry and Manpower Ministry.
The MoU is a follow up to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo’s recent call to make sure that vocational schools equip students with the practical skills needed to meet industry demands. (bbn)
