Strategies for Enhancing Aging Workforce Sustainability Through Structured Internships: Lessons from Vocational Education Program in Universitas Indonesia

‎ Istiadi; Yulial Hikmah

Article Details

Strategies for Enhancing Aging Workforce Sustainability Through Structured Internships: Lessons from Vocational Education Program in Universitas Indonesia

Authors:

‎ Istiadi | Yulial Hikmah

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.329-339

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001515647

pISSN:

2518-668X

Keywords:

Abstract:

 The aging workforce is a major challenge for many countries, including Indonesia. Indonesia faces a demographic dividend and the threat of a skill imbalance between senior workers and the younger generation. One strategy that can bridge the skills gap is a structured internship program that integrates an industry-based curriculum, cross-generational mentoring, and standardized competency evaluation. This article examines workforce experience strategies through structured internship programs, using the Vocational Education Program at the University of Indonesia as a case study. The research method uses a qualitative approach through a literature review, policy analysis, and case studies, complemented by a SWOT analysis to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in program implementation. The results show that structured internship programs can be a means of cross-generational knowledge transfer, improving the skills of the younger generation, and leveraging the experience of senior workers. Challenges faced include limitations on the internship duration, the readiness of senior mentors, and evaluation standardization. Policy recommendations urge multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, industry, and educational institutions to strengthen internship effectiveness. Thus, structured internship programs can become a forum for intergenerational synergy and a strategy for addressing labor shortages during demographic aging. In conclusion, structured internships can be a sustainable strategy for maintaining the productivity and innovation of the national workforce.

Article Details

Strategies for Enhancing Aging Workforce Sustainability Through Structured Internships: Lessons from Vocational Education Program in Universitas Indonesia

Authors:

‎ Istiadi | Yulial Hikmah

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.329-339

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001515647

pISSN:

2518-668X

aging workforce

skills gap

structured internship program

knowledge transfer

intergenerational collaboration

workforce sustainability

Issues

Article Details

Strategies for Enhancing Aging Workforce Sustainability Through Structured Internships: Lessons from Vocational Education Program in Universitas Indonesia

Authors: ‎ Istiadi | Yulial Hikmah

Publisher: KnE Social Sciences

Journal: KnE Social Sciences Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.329-339

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2026

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001515647

pISSN: 2518-668X

aging workforce

skills gap

structured internship program

knowledge transfer

intergenerational collaboration

workforce sustainability

Issues

Authors:

‎ Istiadi | Yulial Hikmah

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.329-339

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001515647

pISSN:

2518-668X