Empowering Vocational Teachers Basic Safety Training through Partnership-Dual Training System Integration

Abstract

Introduction:  Vocational education plays a pivotal role in preparing skilled human resources aligned with industry demands. However, productive teachers in automotive vocational high schools (SMKs) often exhibit gaps in occupational safety and health (OSH) competencies, adversely affecting workshop safety and graduate readiness. Traditional in-house training methods lack practical relevance and industry integration, necessitating innovative approaches.

Objective:  This study aims to develop, validate, and implement a Partnership-Dual Training System (PADU) model for Basic Safety Training (BST) to enhance OSH competencies among productive teachers in private automotive SMKs in Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Indonesia.

Methods:  A Research and Development (R&D) design following Borg and Gall’s ten-step model was employed. Data were collected from 123 productive teachers across 41 private SMKs through training needs analysis, expert validation, and field testing. Quantitative data on knowledge and skills were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality tests, paired t-tests, and normalized gain (N-Gain) calculations. Qualitative data from interviews and observations supported triangulation.

Results:  Training needs analysis revealed significant competency gaps in OSH knowledge and practical skills. Expert validation confirmed the PADU model’s content validity, relevance, and feasibility with mean ratings above 4.3 (scale 1–5). Implementation results showed statistically significant improvements in OSH knowledge (mean gain = 42.5, p < 0.001) and practical skills (mean gain = 36.5, p < 0.001), with moderate to high N-Gain scores (0.58–0.67). Qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced teacher engagement and confidence.

Conclusion:  The PADU model effectively integrates theoretical and practical OSH training through school-industry partnerships, significantly improving vocational teachers’ competencies. This model offers a sustainable framework to advance vocational education quality and workplace safety culture