Reflection on the Internship Program of Students of SMK St. Mikael Surakarta
SMK St. Mikael Surakarta held a Field Work Practice (PKL) activity for grade XII students to enrich students’ competencies. At SMK St. Mikael Surakarta, the learning activities of grade X students are still about the basics of mechanical engineering, such as bench work, welding, and manual technical drawing. In grade XI, students begin to operate conventional and CNC lathes and milling machines and draw with CAD software.
In grade XII, students receive enrichment material by being placed as interns in several companies in and outside Surakarta. PKL activities are expected to provide work experience and opportunities for students to develop character in the world of work. In addition, during the dynamics at the PKL location, students can gain additional knowledge and skills that may not be obtained while studying at school. Students will also be tested on their commitment during the internship and whether they can carry out the work according to the demands of their respective PKL locations.
The internship for SMK Mikael students is carried out in two waves. In this academic year, the first wave will be held on July 22-September 27, 2024, while the second wave will be held on October 7-December 19, 2024. Students who complete the internship will receive a certificate as a graduation requirement. Jona Alfaloqita and I underwent the first wave of internship and were placed in the furthest location than our other friends, namely at PT KJL Plastic Indonesia, Tangerang. This factory produces plastic drinking straws. For approximately 10 weeks, we gained much valuable experience and discovered the true spirit of working.
During the process at the PKL location, we assist the mechanical team in the production section. In that place, employees must wear unique uniforms that are only worn indoors because the place is a hygiene area. The mechanical team that has finished repairing the machine must clean the tools and wash their hands using the hand sanitizer available on each machine. All of these habits are intended to keep the products produced hygienic.
During our internship, we participated in a training program every Saturday with the maintenance team. This indeed increased our knowledge and skills in the world of machinery. The bonus was that we met Mr. Richard, an alumnus of Mikael College, who was the training material provider. In addition to meeting alums, we met Mr. Tri Budiyanto, the Head of Production. He is very friendly, likes to tell stories, and loves to share knowledge. His stories are very inspiring, for example, his experience in contributing and struggling to build a company from the beginning to the development of what it is today. Previously, he was just an ordinary mechanic. Even though he was just a mechanic, he had an extraordinary work ethic. He diligently studied the machines in the factory until he mastered every machine. Of course, this expertise is not an instant process. There is a strong commitment in Mr. Tri.
One of the core values or basic values taught at Michael College and other Jesuit schools is commitment. Commitment does not only apply at school but also continues in the world of work. Commitment is a promise. In this experience, the value of commitment is the entire will to carry out obligations with a sense of responsibility. Many rules must be implemented at work, from simple to complex ones. For example, arriving on time, working well, maintaining cleanliness, and production results must be abundant and of high quality to be required to learn more. Rules that seem complicated will not be a burden if you already have a commitment. There is no harm in committing to good values. When all the rules or orders have been obeyed, it becomes a habit over time. Even though you are used to it, please don’t consider it a routine. All of that needs to be realized and interpreted. There will be no complaints or negative reactions when fully committed, such as when undergoing this PKL.
Contributor: Syam Andriyanto Nugroho – St. Michael’s Vocational School, Surakarta