STRENGTHENING ISLAMIC VALUES AND GRADUATE WORK READINESS: THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRATIVE PESANTREN BASED VOCATIONAL EDUCATION MODEL

Abstract

his study aimed to examine the integrative model of Islamic vocational education implemented at Vocational High School and analyze its contribution to strengthening students’ religious character, vocational competence, and employability. The study employed a qualitative case study approach conducted within an Islamic boarding school-based vocational education environment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with school leaders, teachers, pesantren administrators, industry partners, and students, supported by participant observation and document analysis. Data were analyzed thematically through data reduction, categorization, interpretation, and triangulation to ensure the credibility of the findings. The results showed that Islamic vocational education at SMK Ibrahimy Sukorejo is developed through four interconnected dimensions: curriculum integration, spiritual and character formation, industry-oriented competency development, and collaboration with business and industrial sectors. The integration of these dimensions enables students to develop technical and professional competencies alongside discipline, responsibility, adaptability, leadership, ethical behavior, and Islamic work ethics. The findings further indicate that the pesantren environment functions as an integrated educational ecosystem that connects religious formation with vocational learning and workplace preparation. The study implied that integrating Islamic values with vocational education can provide a strategic model for developing graduates who are professionally competent, morally grounded, adaptive, and competitive in the global labor market. This model offers practical implications for vocational schools, pesantren, and policymakers.