VOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENT READINESS IN FACING THE WORLD OF WORK: INDONESIA CASE FROM COMPETENCY PERSPECTIVES AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study investigates the effect of competence and employability skills on the work readiness of vocational students majoring in accounting in Indonesia. Methodology: This study uses a quantitative approach. The research data were obtained using a questionnaire survey of vocational students majoring in accounting in South Tangerang. The final sample used in testing was 284 questionnaires—data analysis using multiple linear regression with SPSS 23 version. Results: The results of this study suggest that competence and employability skills positively affect work readiness. The findings of the study are useful for vocational students in increasing their readiness to face the workforce. Implications/Application: Future studies are expected to explore further the variables that influence competence and its effect on work readiness and career development, including learning achievements, internships, and ICT Skills. Also, future studies are expected to be able to prepare better test instruments and proportional test times to get more accurate competency measurements. Furthermore, this study is expected for Vocational Schools to prioritize constructivism-based learning processes in order to obtain more optimal student competencies. Meanwhile, for policymakers, it is expected to develop policies that can maximize the competency and employability skills of vocational students. Specifically, this research can be used by SMK teachers majoring in Accounting in Indonesia to measure the accounting competence of their students to minimize unemployment. This research can also be an input for researchers and competency assessors of the Professional Certification Institute (LSP) in Indonesia to determine appropriate competency standards for junior-level accounting specialist technicians. Novelty: This study is one of the very few studies investigating competence and employability skills altogether and their impact on work readiness in Indonesia cases. It is essential to be conducted because the graduates of vocational school should be assessed by the LSP licensed by the National Competency Certification Agency (BNSP) to ensure that their competencies and employabilities fulfill the needs of work users. This study also has a novelty in using a new test instrument to measure the competency level of accounting students of vocational high school. The test instrument can be used by teachers and training practitioners to compare practical competency measurements for students.