Through a one-day Seminar titled “Quality Work-Based Learning in Indonesia”, jointly conducted by ILO, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), some policy initiatives, coordinated programmes and best practices were discussed and presented as part of the series implementation of the Indonesian Roadmap on Development of Education and Vocational Training 2017-2025 under the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

“Learning from the two-year implementation of the National Apprenticeship Programme, we continue to improve the implementation of the programme by actively involving not only the industries but also the trade unions. The Government of Indonesia is going to issue a policy package in the form of 200 percent of tax incentive for the private sector supporting and organizing vocational education and training programme,” Rudy Salahuddin, Deputy for Coordination of Creative Economy, Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness of Cooperation and SMEs of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

Other improvements, he added, include strengthened coordination among ministerial departments dealing with apprenticeships. “The Roapmad acts as a guidance for relevant stakeholders on how to jointly revitalize the apprenticeship programme and to strengthen the coordination between the national and regional governments, among ministerial as well as with industries and the world of work.”

Bob Azam, Head of Training Development Committee of DPN Apindo, highlighted examples from other countries such as Spain and the United States that have used the apprenticeship programme as ways to minimize skills mismatch and boost the competitiveness of the Indonesian companies and economy.

“Human resources and skills developments are key factors in ensuring the growth of economy. As the member of the Global Apprentice Network (GAN), we believe that the apprenticeship programme benefits our young generation to be skillful generation.”

Benefits gained by the companies

Some companies shared benefits gained from conducting the apprenticeship programme. Sumarni, Talent Acquisition Specialist of PT Trans Retail Indonesia shared the experience of the company in providing a dedicated unit on education and training named “Institute of Carrefour Indonesia.”

In collaboration with the Ministry of National Education and Ministry of Manpower, the Institute has develop an apprenticeship programme with curriculum, trainers and certified assessors. “Through the Institute, we build the skills of the apprentices to reach the managerial level,” she said.

Lilis, Human Resource Manager of PT Jotun Indonesia shared the initiative taken by companies within the Industrial Compound of MM2100 in Bekasi District, West Java. To get skillful workers with skills needed, the companies has built an industrial vocational school named SMK Mitra Industri MM2100. This vocational school provides seven competencies that are in line with the needs of the companies and that are also in line with the current industrial changes.

“The close industrial linked is that make this vocational school unique and different from other schools. We involve relevant stakeholders from industries, parents and other relevant parties to ensure that all graduates can be absorbed by the surrounding companies,” told Lilis, who is also the Headmaster of the SMK Mitra Industri.

Being more skillful and employable

Graduated from technical machine major of SMK Mitra Industri, Ridho Alviora Jaya is now working as a marketing staff. He had joined two apprenticeship programmes at PT Jotun Indonesia where he further learnt and improved his skills. He admitted that the apprenticeship programme has helped preparing him to enter the world of work.

Dessy Permalasari has a different story. When finding out about the ILO’s apprenticeship programme for women at the automotive sector through her social media account, without thinking twice she sent her application. For three months, she participated at the apprenticeship programme at Astra Honda Authorized Service Station (AHASS). She learnt in class for week and spent the remaining time at the service center.

“I graduated from the vocational school with accounting major, but I have an interest in machine. Through this apprenticeship programme I can learnt more about machine and motorcycle repair. I hope that I can have my own service centre someday.”

After finishing his apprenticeship programme at Media Hotel and Tower, Andriansyah has been recruited as a daily worker for housekeeping. He enjoyed his apprenticeship programme as well as the working environment. He also learnt to become a professional housekeeping for hotels.

“The apprenticeship programme is needed by young people like me and my friends. I hope that the formal apprenticeship programme can be offered to schools. By doing this apprenticeship programme I am more knowledgeable, skillful and the most important thing, I can get a job,” he stated.

Appreciating the collaborative efforts shown during the seminar, Kazutoshi Chatani, the ILO’s Employment Specialist, emphasized the need for all stakeholders to continue teaming up to provide better skills development and employment opportunities for young people. “We should further promote the best practices on apprenticeships and we should promote stronger partnership among relevant stakeholders to strengthen the quality work-based learning in the country.”

The seminar was supported by the Government of Japan and JP Morgan Chase Foundation. The seminar was also in line with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly its Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.