Developing soft skills in vocational higher education: A qualitative case study and institutional management model from Indonesian polytechnics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21831/jpv.v15i2.73825Keywords:
employability, higher education, institutional management, soft skills, vocational educationAbstract
Rapid technological change in the Industry 4.0 era has increased the demand for graduates who are not only technically competent but also demonstrate strong soft skills, including communication, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving. However, institutional strategies for systematically managing soft skills development in vocational higher education remain insufficiently documented. This study explores how soft skills are planned, implemented, and integrated at the institutional level in Indonesian polytechnics. A qualitative case study was conducted in two state polytechnics through semi-structured interviews with department heads, program heads, and lecturers, complemented by document analysis and observations. Thematic analysis reveals four core institutional strategies: (1) student orientation programs designed to build foundational values and campus adaptation; (2) internal soft skills training focusing on communication, leadership, teamwork, and creativity; (3) external training involving industry partners to contextualize workplace expectations; and (4) curriculum integration through courses, internships, and project-based learning. Together, these strategies form a holistic model that strengthens students’ readiness for the labor market by aligning personal character development with professional competencies. The findings highlight the importance of coordinated institutional management, collaboration with industry, and explicit policy support to ensure sustainability of soft-skills initiatives. Implications suggest that vocational higher education institutions should move beyond fragmented activities toward structured, system-wide models of soft skills development linked to employability outcomes. Future studies may expand across institutions and apply longitudinal designs to examine long-term career impacts.
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