Using social media to build the National Apprenticeship Network

A group of youth were busy making videos at Ashley Hotel, Jakarta. Using their smartphones, they took photos and developed a video in a group of three. Based on their own scripts, they interviewed each other, took video scenes of the hotel surroundings and shot some scenes with their group members.

These group of youth were the participants of the ILO’s social media training held from 8-9 October, who were also the participants and mentors of the National Apprenticeship Programme. Around 18 participants consisted of youth groups, apprentices and union representatives participated in the training, aimed to promote the National Apprenticeship Programme jointly conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower and the ILO.

Social networks open up the possibilities of discovering and learning new information as well as sharing ideas and interacting with others. Through this social media training, the ILO hopes to strengthen the capacities of youth and trade union in promoting the apprenticeship programme by sharing their own experiences and showing benefits gained from this programme."

Dede Sudono, the ILO’s National Coordinator for Apprenticeship Project

The Government of Indonesia has launched the movement of apprenticeship since 2016 with the enactment of the Manpower Regulation No. 26/2016 as a legal framework for employers to implement apprenticeship programme in the country. Under this programme, the ILO and Ministry of Manpower have closely worked with the national trade union confederations to organize piloting companies, particularly at the hospitality sectors. The programme has a joint collaboration with some national and international hotels to conduct pilot of quality apprenticeship programme.

“Social networks open up the possibilities of discovering and learning new information as well as sharing ideas and interacting with others. Through this social media training, the ILO hopes to strengthen the capacities of youth and trade union in promoting the apprenticeship programme by sharing their own experiences and showing benefits gained from this programme,” said Dede Sudono, the ILO’s National Coordinator for Apprenticeship Project.

In addition, Dede added, that the training was aimed to strengthen youth networks so that they could also promote issues related to apprenticeship and youth rights at work to wider youth in their networks. Two youth groups involved were Students Job Network and the Alliance of Indonesian Teenagers (ARI).

The training sessions were led by three social media practitioners as facilitators: Frisca Octendralia, a Social Media Strategist, Shasya Pashatama, a professional blogger and Raditya Adi Nugraha, a professional videographer. They provided insights on social media ethics, how to create compelling contents and visualization and how to make engaging videos. The sessions combined theories and practical exercises. The sessions also provide a venue for the participants to showcase their works for feedbacks.

I really enjoy this inspiring, informative training. I learn more about social media, gain new insights about apprenticeship and the world of work as well as get new friends. I will continue sharing the information to my friends so that they will also gain the benefits of apprenticeship that I have gained."

Aghista Rizki, 18 years old.

In addition to learning about the apprenticeship and what they need to know about the programme, the participants learned about youth rights at work. “Most young people, particularly the first time job seekers like the apprentices, are unaware of their rights or too afraid to stand for themselves in the workplace. Thus, we combine the apprenticeship with issues related to workplace rights such as working contract, conditions of work, occupational safety and health (OSH) and social security,” stated Tendy Gunawan, the ILO’s programme officer for youth employment.

During the practical exercises, the participants showed their talents in developing good, interesting messages and videos about apprenticeship and youth rights at work. Using their own styles and languages, the messages and videos were engaging and appealing.


“I really enjoy this inspiring, informative training. I learn more about social media, gain new insights about apprenticeship and the world of work as well as get new friends. I will continue sharing the information to my friends so that they will also gain the benefits of apprenticeship that I have gained,” said Aghista Rizki, 18 years old. He was the youngest participant and an apprentice at the Grove Suites Hotel, one of the implementing partners.

To encourage the participants applying what they have learned, the training concluded with the social media campaign plan. Each participant is expected to post informative posts and photos related to their apprenticeship experiences.

“By using the hashtag #magangasik and #hakpekerjamudaILO, we are going to monitor the posts uploaded by the participants. We hope that through this social media campaign we can reach out to wider youth so that they will have better understanding about issues related to apprenticeship and rights at work,” Dede explained.