SEMARANG — Thousands of students packed the Semarang State Polytechnic (Polines) Multipurpose Building for the 2026 VocaTech Edu Fair, titled "Start Your Future Here," on Tuesday (May 5, 2026). More than 1,500 high school (SMA/SMK/MA) students from 140 schools across Central Java participated in the event, which involved 18 strategic partners from the industrial sector.
Polines Director, Dr. Garup Lambang Goro ST, MT, said that this activity is a means to introduce vocational education while strengthening collaboration between universities, industry, and the government.
“"We continue to collaborate with industry. Many of our students have completed internships and been recruited by various companies in Central Java, Jakarta, and West Java," he said.
He added that Polines continues to develop the Teaching Factory (TEFA) as a practice-based learning model with industry standards. Furthermore, the use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things is a focus for faculty and student research development.
“"AI and IoT-based research has been applied in various fields, from health and agriculture to animal husbandry and construction," he explained.
Currently, Polines has 27 study programs with approximately 9,000 students, supported by 390 lecturers and 205 administrative staff. Polines also continues to encourage downstream research so that innovations can be implemented in the industrial world.
The Head of the Central Java Provincial Education Office, Dr. Sadimin, S.Pd., M.Eng., appreciated this activity because it was able to present real collaboration between education and industry.
He stated that the number of high school/vocational school and special needs school students in Central Java reached 1,319,566 students who have great potential to support regional development.
“"It is hoped that students will have strong competencies, both hard and soft skills, so they are ready to work, continue their education, or become entrepreneurs," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office of Central Java Province, Ahmad Azis, SE, M.Si., highlighted the dynamics of employment influenced by global change, digitalization, and the green economy.
“"Labor absorption in Central Java continues to show a positive trend, marked by a decline in the open unemployment rate. The majority of investments are also labor-intensive," he said.
From the industrial sector, Site Director of PT Paragon Technology & Innovation, Sony Hidajat, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the world of education.
“"Education isn't instant. It requires a process and sufficient learning experience. Therefore, collaboration between industry and universities is crucial to ensure the curriculum is relevant to the needs of the workforce," he said.
Through the VocaTech Edu Fair 2026, Polines reaffirms its role as a vocational college that is adaptive and responsive to industry needs, while also serving as a bridge for the younger generation in planning their future careers.