In a significant boost for vocational education in Indonesia, the 2025 VFS Global Career Advancement Programme successfully concluded with a formal ceremony in Jakarta. The initiative, spearheaded by the Yayasan Mitra Mandiri Indonesia (YMMI) in collaboration with VFS Global and supported by Pune-based Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), marked the end of three months of intensive training for students.
Building Skills for the Future Workforce
The programme was conducted at two prominent vocational schools: SMKN 25 Jakarta and SMK PGRI 1 Jakarta. This year's edition built upon the strong foundation laid in 2024, with the core objective of improving employability and easing the transition from academic life to professional environments for young learners.
Approximately 400 participating students engaged in weekly sessions designed to impart crucial workplace competencies. The curriculum focused on practical areas such as professional communication, foundational customer service principles, effective teamwork, and basic administrative skills. The pedagogy emphasised hands-on learning, building self-confidence, and providing a realistic preview of professional work culture.
Pathway to Internships and Career Development
A key outcome of the programme is the creation of a direct pathway to industry exposure. Selected high-performing students from the cohort will now have the chance to apply for internships at VFS Global's Jakarta offices. This opportunity is strategically designed to offer practical, on-the-job experience, giving participants a vital head start in their career journeys.
Gino Latief, the Executive Director of YMMI, expressed satisfaction with the programme's continued success. "We are pleased to carry this initiative forward after witnessing its impact last year," he stated. "Students have demonstrated clear growth in skills, confidence, and readiness for future opportunities."
Aligning with Global CSR and Empowerment Goals
The initiative reflects a deep alignment with broader corporate and social responsibility goals. Simon Peachey, Chief Operating Officer for China, Australasia, and RCIS at VFS Global, highlighted the programme's role in fostering inclusive growth. "We believe that creating meaningful pathways for young people is essential," Peachey noted. "This programme equips students with practical skills, workplace exposure, and opportunities to grow."
From the Indian partner's perspective, Dr. Ketan Deshpande, CEO and Chairman of FUEL, underscored the transformative potential of such skilling efforts. "Providing the right skills at the right time can change a young person's life," Dr. Deshpande said. "Through industry-relevant training and strong partnerships, we aim to create sustainable pathways to employability."
The closing ceremony served to reaffirm the shared commitment of YMMI, VFS Global, and FUEL towards strengthening youth employability. The partnership model, which connects educational institutions with industry and civil society, is viewed as a replicable framework for advancing youth empowerment efforts across Indonesia and potentially in other regions.
