The Effectiveness of Field Work Internships (PKL) in Preparing Vocational High School Alumni During the Food Crops and Horticulture (ATPH) Agribusiness Department at SMKN 4 Gowa to Enter the World of Work

Banri Sayang; Iwan Suhardi; Suryadi Ishak

doi:10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.4851

Banri Sayang Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia
Iwan Suhardi Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia
Suryadi Ishak Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.4851

Keywords: Field Work Internship (PKL), vocational education, work readiness, agribusiness, ATPH, employability, CIPP evaluation model

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Field Work Internships (Praktik Kerja Lapangan—PKL) in preparing alumni of the Agribusiness of Food Crops and Horticulture (ATPH) Department at SMKN 4 Gowa to enter the world of work. The research employed a quantitative descriptive approach using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model to assess the implementation and outcomes of the internship program. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to ATPH alumni who had completed their internships, complemented by documentation and institutional records. The findings indicate that the PKL program was implemented effectively across all evaluation dimensions. The context evaluation demonstrated that the internship objectives were aligned with vocational education goals and industry needs. The input evaluation revealed that adequate planning, relevant industrial partnerships, and sufficient learning resources supported the successful implementation of the program. The process evaluation showed that internship activities were conducted systematically with effective supervision, guidance, and competency-based learning experiences. Furthermore, the product evaluation confirmed that PKL significantly enhanced graduates' work readiness by improving technical competencies, professional attitudes, communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, discipline, and problem-solving abilities required in the agricultural sector. These findings are consistent with Experiential Learning Theory, Human Capital Theory, and Employability Theory, which emphasize that authentic workplace experiences strengthen both technical and transferable skills necessary for successful career transitions. The study concludes that PKL serves as an effective strategy for bridging the gap between vocational education and labor market demands while producing competent, confident, and work-ready graduates. The findings provide valuable implications for strengthening school–industry collaboration and improving internship quality to enhance the employability of vocational high school graduates

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