Vocational Career Table (VCT): An Ikigai-based career adaptability guidance model for vocational high school

Rudi Haryadi; Muktiarni Muktiarni; Muh. Abdul Latif

doi:10.17509/curricula.v5i3.844

Authors

Rudi Haryadi Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Muktiarni Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Muh. Abdul Latif Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v5i3.844

Keywords:

career adaptability, career guidance, ikigai, school to work transition, vocational high school

Abstract

This study develops a career adaptability guidance model, the Vocational Career Table (VCT), for Vocational High School (SMK) students to support meaningful career success in the future. This study is motivated by the high unemployment rate of vocational high school graduates in Indonesia in August 2025, which reached 8.63%, far exceeding the national average of 4.85%. The method used is Design-Based Research (DBR) with a mixed-methods approach through six iterative phases. The needs analysis combines a bibliometric study of 727 Scopus articles, a PRISMA systematic review of 80 studies, a survey of 406 teachers, and focus group discussions with 25 stakeholders. The design phase integrates career construction theory with the concept of ikigai, resulting in 20 guidance activities in seven competency clusters divided into five stages: Touch, Actualization, Build, Level Up, and Encourage. Public testing of 1,798 students and 27 counselors across 57 schools demonstrated that the career adaptability component was met, with priority given to improving career confidence and recognizing certified competencies. The final model, consisting of 96 hours of instruction over six semesters, has been validated by experts and proven suitable for implementation in vocational education.

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