The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded the number of unemployed in 2022 marks 5.83% of the total working-age population of 208.54 million people. Currently, most unemployment problems in Indonesia come from high school graduates, namely vocational high schools (SMK) at 10.38% and public high schools (non-vocational schools) at 8.35%. Some of the unemployed graduates live in industrial areas such as DKI Jakarta.
The high unemployment rate occurs when the industry cannot absorb the labor force. In fact, according to President Joko Widodo, Indonesia needs at least 9 million digital talents for the next 15 years. A collaborative program is necessary for the education of the younger generation in preparing reliable digital talent because formal educational institutions are still using a curriculum that might be obsolete in the future.
Knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is the basis for gaining entry into high-paying technology industry jobs. Joining forces with PT Lautan Luas Tbk, YCAB is launching the STEM & Work Readiness program, which will run from November to December 2022.
Even though these fields are increasingly crucial for future economic growth, the number of Indonesian youth interested in working in STEM fields is still not widespread. There are 46 million youth in Indonesia, or the equivalent of 18 percent of Indonesia’s population, who will become the foundation for Indonesia’s economic future.
This program aims to provide equal career opportunities for the marginalized to address the problem of high youth unemployment and lack of digital skills in Indonesia. Through this program, young people will gain access to STEM education and the necessary training to prepare them for the world of work.
“The collaboration between Lautan Luas and YCAB in the STEM and Work Readiness program is a form of embodiment of PT Lautan Luas Tbk’s new vision, namely a better world through corporate business. In addition, it is hoped that this training can add insight and competitiveness to the participants in the world of work.” Said Jimmy Masrin, Vice President Director of PT Lautan Luas Tbk.
To support this, PT Lautan Luas Tbk and YCAB provided education to 100 youth in West Jakarta regarding STEM and work readiness through 24 weeks of training and mentoring. This program focuses on introducing STEM, job readiness, and coding for the 50 best participants.
“This program with PT Lautan Luas Tbk is very important in creating and preparing generations who are ready to enter the world of work. We are certainly very excited about this collaboration, especially since this program is in line with the government’s vision of Indonesia’s digital economy, which will grow rapidly up to 8 times in 2030.” Said Veronica Colondam, CEO and Founder of YCAB.
The collaborative program with PT Lautan Luas Tbk offers activities and modules based on the needs of youth and current trends in the technology industry. After the training, the beneficiary will receive career assistance which aims to enable them to adjust to job interviews, understand the world of work, understand their interests and talents, and make future career choices.
YCAB and PT Lautan Luas Tbk believe Indonesian youth need exposure to the various STEM careers available and see role models in these rewarding jobs. The more they can see it, the more likely they will be able to face the world of work.