The Central Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jateng) in collaboration with IHK Trier and GIZ RECOTVET launched Askedu and Edumatch Digital services to strengthen vocational training and education in Central Java. Askedu and Edumatch accommodate the needs of both job-seeking companies and providers (schools).

Chairman of Kadin Jateng, Harry Nuryanto revealed that information about apprenticeships and how companies start apprenticeship programmes is still minimal. The majority of business actors are more waiting (apprentices) so that the existence of this platform is expected to be optimised by business actors and schools.

"The business associations that we invite here can inform their members and vocational schools can also register," he explained at the Askedu and Edumatch launch event at Grand Candi Hotel Semarang, (5/3/2024).

This platform is also based on input from many parties that have been adjusted to the needs of job seekers and schools as internship providers.

Present on this occasion, Andreas Gosche, representing the IHK Trier Partnership Programme and Teresa Toepfer, GIZ RECOTVET Hanoi as well as company and school representatives.

Harry explained that Askedu is a digital service that contains guidelines or stages for implementing vocational education and vocational training in companies. Through Askedu, companies will be guided on what steps must be taken and fulfilled when they want to become an apprenticeship recipient company. Meanwhile, Edumatch is a digital service that connects companies and vocational schools in apprenticeship programmes.

"This service is free and can be accessed by both schools and companies by registering as members. After that, companies can offer any positions that accept apprentices and schools can also register their school children who need apprenticeships," he explained.

Teresa Toepfer, GIZ-RECOTVET Hanoi, added that companies can take advantage of this digital service, especially with guidelines for conducting vocational training which will ultimately produce skilled workers.

"The process is long because we collect input from stakeholders regarding what is needed," explained Teresa.

According to her, with more skilled workers ready to work, more companies will be helped.

"This platform has many benefits, even companies that are interested can consult and tell what their experience is like because here we provide step by step related to apprenticeship," she explained.

Director of Edukadin, Agustina Devi, said that the existing apprenticeship programme has not been well structured. The existence of this digital platform is expected to improve the vocational education ecosystem.

Siti Zulaikha, representative of SMKN 3 Semarang, said that Edumatch is like a bridge between industry and vocational education.

"Vocational dreams become more real because of Edumatch," Siti concluded.