STEAM learning prepares SMK students for dynamic job market: Ministry

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7 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Primary and Secondary Education Ministry said learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) equips vocational high school (SMK) students to face the dynamic job market.

“The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that 39 percent of workers’ skills will become obsolete in the 2025-2030 period,” said Maila Dinia Husni, Special Staff for STEM Improvement and Teacher Competency to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education here on Friday.

She made the remark during a webinar themed “STEAM: From Imagination and Innovation to Achievement”.

She said the dynamic world of work has increased the need for artificial intelligence (AI) skills, data and technology literacy, creative thinking, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning.

Husni added that SMK students must not only master competencies needed today, but also develop continuous learning abilities, given how quickly technology and ways of working are changing.

According to her, this is in line with a WEF report stating that 85 percent of companies will prioritize workforce upskilling through 2030.

“For SMK students, a competency certificate is just the starting point. Meanwhile, learning through the STEAM approach trains students’ habits in learning new tools, reading data, receiving feedback, and improving results,” she added.

Electric vehicles, automation, smart farming, renewable energy, film, and Extended Reality (XR) technology, for example, require mastery of various fields of knowledge.

“Industry needs graduates who are able to work together and produce solutions that function well, are safe, efficient, and suited to user needs,” Husni said.

According to her, SMK schools already have real-world STEAM laboratories, such as workshops, kitchens, studios, field practice sites, and teaching factories.

She affirmed that SMK graduates have an advantage because they not only understand the STEAM concept, but are also able to put it into practice and produce work based on all four fields.

“SMK students understand, practice, and make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in truly tangible forms,” Husni said.