A Collaborative Scholarship–Work Internship Model to Strengthen the Linkage Between Vocational Education and the World of Work in Depok City

Abstract

This study aims to formulate a scholarship–work internship model capable of strengthening the linkage between vocational education and labor market needs in Depok City. The study was developed based on policy analysis, literature review, observation, and empirical evaluation of the implementation of industrial work practice among vocational high school students. The research problem stems from the high open unemployment rate among young people and vocational high school graduates, despite the continuous increase in the working-age population and the expansion of vocational education institutions. The findings indicate that the outcomes of industrial work practice are significantly influenced by student motivation, school support components, the quality of internship implementation, and information technology competence, while work readiness is primarily influenced by internship outcomes, personality, internship satisfaction, and career guidance. Based on these findings, this study proposes a collaborative scholarship model oriented toward strengthening work readiness by integrating local government, the private sector, zakat institutions, and higher education institutions. The model positions educational funding support as an integrated package with competence development, internship experience, character strengthening, and improved employment opportunities.