PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION MANAGEMENT IN IMPROVING THE COMPETENCY OF VOCATIONAL SCHOOL GRADUATES

Abstract

Vocational High School (SMK) graduates should have competencies that suit the needs of DU/DI. Professional certification tests are one of the efforts to prepare competent graduates. This research describes how professional certification management improves the competency of vocational school graduates who are ready to be absorbed into DU/DI. The research method used is qualitative with data collection techniques, namely interviews, observation, and documentation studies. The data analysis technique is a qualitative narrative that aims to describe and reveal the management aspects of professional certification institutions in improving the quality of vocational school graduates. In this case, data management is carried out continuously through checks and re-checks, analysis, and re-analysis, so that the actual reality is found and experienced in real terms. The results of research on professional certification management in improving the competency of vocational school graduates in Bandung City were carried out starting from planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and finding solutions to obstacles to professional certification activities carried out by the First Party Professional Certification Institute (LSP P1) at SMK Negeri 11 Bandung. Meanwhile, based on competency tests, increasing the competency of vocational school graduates can be seen in attitude, knowledge, and skills according to their field of expertise.