The increasingly competitive challenges of the working world require vocational high schools (SMK) not only to teach theory but also to equip students with the right mindset, character, and real work experience. This awareness drives the strengthening of synergy between schools, parents, and industry partners from an early stage.

One concrete step is taken through parenting activities for the parents of 11th-grade students, as part of the preparation for the implementation of the Work Practice Program (PKL). This activity is not just a routine agenda but a strategic forum to align perceptions about the working world students will face after graduation.

In a dialogical atmosphere, the management of SMK IPIEMS Surabaya together with representatives from industry partners openly explained the objectives of PKL, the implementation mechanisms, and the expectations regarding students’ attitudes and work ethic. Parents were invited to understand that PKL is a crucial phase for character building, not merely a fulfillment of curriculum obligations.

The head of SMK IPIEMS Surabaya emphasized that the success of PKL is determined not only by the school and industry but also by family support at home.

“PKL is a process of learning about real working life. Mental readiness, discipline, and student responsibility must be built together. Therefore, parental involvement is a key factor,” he stated.

According to him, open communication between the school and parents is very important to prevent a gap in perception about the industrial world. With a shared understanding, students are expected to undergo PKL with high motivation and a professional attitude.

This parenting activity also became an important moment with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Amigroup–Maspion IT and SMK IPIEMS Surabaya. This cooperation confirms the commitment of the industrial world to support the development of student competencies to align with the needs of the job market.

It was added that SMK IPIEMS continues to expand its partnership network with various industrial sectors so that graduates have strong competitiveness amidst rapid technological development.

“Collaboration with the business and industrial world is key to keeping school learning relevant. We want SMK IPIEMS graduates to be truly work-ready, not just graduation-ready,” it was said.

Through this parenting activity, parents gained a complete picture of the role of industry partners, the objectives of PKL, and the support expected from the family while their child undergoes work practice. The synergy built is expected to create a solid educational ecosystem in preparing IPIEMS students to become skilled, character-driven, and professional workers.

SMK IPIEMS Surabaya

SMK IPIEMS Surabaya is a private vocational high school (SMK) located in Surabaya, Indonesia, focused on providing industry-relevant technical education. While specific founding details are not widely documented in general sources, it is part of the larger IPIEMS educational foundation and has developed a reputation for preparing students in fields like engineering and business for the local workforce.

Work Practice Program (PKL)

The Work Practice Program (PKL) is a structured internship or vocational training initiative commonly implemented in Indonesian educational institutions, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels. Its history is rooted in national education policies aimed at bridging classroom learning with real-world industry experience, enhancing students’ practical skills and employability. The program typically involves students completing a supervised placement at a company or organization relevant to their field of study.

Amigroup–Maspion IT

“Amigroup–Maspion IT” is not a widely recognized historical place or public cultural site. It appears to be a corporate entity, likely a business or technology group formed through a partnership or merger between the **Amigroup** and the **Maspion Group**, a major Indonesian industrial conglomerate founded in 1962.

Therefore, it does not have a public history as a cultural or heritage location but is part of modern Indonesia’s industrial and business landscape.