Lowokwaru, MC – The implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) brings its own blessings for Vocational High Schools (SMK). Because with the opening of trade throughout ASEAN, the need for ready-to-use workers such as SMK graduates is increasing rapidly.
As stated by the Head of Vocational High School and Higher Education Division of the East Java Provincial Education Office, Drs. Hudiyono, M.Si, the East Java Provincial Government will open nine new vocational schools in 2016 considering the huge need for workers.
Hudiyono confirmed that in 2016, the East Java Provincial Government, in accordance with the Governor's instructions, will implement a moratorium (postponement/suspension_ed) on the establishment of SMA but not for SMK. In 2016, there will be nine SMKN in East Java that will be opened in accordance with the offer from the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud).
"Vocational high school graduates can work quickly, currently the need is so great. Especially now that the MEA is open," said Hudiyono, Friday (15/1).
For East Java itself, there are still many majors that have the potential to be opened, including art, electricity, and tourism. Currently, a suitable place is being sought to establish a vocational school, which is clear that later the area will only need to prepare the land and physical development, Rp2 billion in funds have been prepared for each vocational school.
Meanwhile, the Principal of SMK 3 PGRI Malang City, Lukman Hakim said that SMK PGRI 3 Malang City is very ready to face the MEA era. Including if later there will be more school competition along with the establishment of several SMKs in East Java.
"Competition is something normal for us, what is clear is that we continue to try our best to prepare human resources," explained Lukman.
In addition to actively sending teachers to follow the trend of industrial development to various companies, SMK PGRI 3 also continues to evaluate learning materials. Where the curriculum used is always attempted to be in accordance with the development of the times. (cah/yon)
