North Sumatra Targets 1,000 Trainees a Year at Simalungun Vocational Centre

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Provincial Government of North Sumatra aims to complete the revitalisation of the Simalungun Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Vocational Training Centre (BLK) in December 2026. From 2027, the facility is expected to equip 1,000 people each year with skills that meet labour market demands.

The programme is one of the regional government's strategic initiatives to improve the quality of human resources, widen access to vocational training and strengthen workers' readiness to meet the changing needs of industry.

The Head of the North Sumatra Manpower Office, Illyan Chandra Simbolon, announced the target during a press briefing organised by the North Sumatra Communication and Information Office in the lobby of the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda), at the North Sumatra Governor's Office on Jalan Diponegoro, Medan, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

"The revitalisation of the Simalungun Vocational Training Centre is already under way. Completion is targeted for December," he said.

Revitalisation to Strengthen Vocational Training

Illyan explained that the revitalisation of the Simalungun centre had been designated as one of North Sumatra's Regional Strategic Programmes in the employment sector. The provincial government has integrated the initiative into its education priorities, with a focus on improving workers' skills and competencies.

The centre is being designed as a residential training facility, with accommodation for 100 participants in each training cycle. Through continuous programme management and a regular training schedule, the facility is expected to train up to 1,000 people annually.

This training model is intended to give more people the opportunity to acquire practical skills. In addition to strengthening technical competencies, the centre is expected to help participants prepare for employment or explore opportunities to establish their own businesses.

The regional government aims to ensure that training operations run effectively once the revitalisation is complete. Finishing the construction work and preparing the facilities are therefore essential steps before the centre begins working towards its annual training target in 2027.

18 Vocational Courses to Meet Labour Market Needs

In 2027, the Simalungun Vocational Training Centre is scheduled to offer 18 vocational courses. The programme will cover a range of technical and service-related skills to support businesses, service industries and local economic activities.

The planned courses include forklift operation, electrical installation, junior beauty therapy, general occupational safety and health, graphic design, caregiving, agricultural product processing, barista training and motorcycle servicing.

The range of courses reflects the government's efforts to broaden training options for people from different backgrounds and with varied interests. Participants will be able to develop competencies in their chosen fields, whether they intend to enter formal employment or pursue skilled self-employment.

Training in agricultural product processing could also create opportunities to increase the added value of local products. Meanwhile, courses such as graphic design, barista training and motorcycle servicing could support employment in the service sector and create opportunities within micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

However, the programme's success will depend on more than the number of people completing training. The relevance of course materials to employers' needs, the quality of instructors, the availability of practical equipment and opportunities for graduate placement will also be important in ensuring that the training delivers tangible benefits.

With a target of 1,000 participants a year, the Simalungun centre is expected to become an important skills development facility, widening public access to structured vocational training across North Sumatra.

Worker Protection and Labour Inspections to Be Strengthened

Alongside the revitalisation of the Simalungun centre, the North Sumatra Manpower Office is implementing another Regional Strategic Programme focused on protecting vulnerable workers. Both initiatives form part of the regional government's efforts to improve public services and strengthen safeguards for workers.

The office is also promoting stronger labour inspections through cooperation with regency and municipal governments. This collaboration between different levels of government is intended to improve labour guidance, inspections and employment services across the region.

Illyan said cooperation with regency and municipal manpower offices could provide a breakthrough in extending the reach of labour inspections. Under this joint approach, labour inspectors could coordinate with local government agencies to follow up on findings from the field.

"We are working on a breakthrough to strengthen labour inspections through collaboration with regency and municipal governments," Illyan said.

Stronger coordination is expected to help the government identify employment-related problems more effectively. Regional authorities will also be better placed to provide guidance to companies and workers while encouraging compliance with applicable labour regulations.

Through the revitalisation of vocational training facilities, protection for vulnerable workers and stronger labour inspections, the Provincial Government of North Sumatra is seeking to implement a more comprehensive employment policy. Training programmes equip people with skills, while protection and oversight measures help create safer and more decent working environments.

If the operational target is achieved in 2027, the Simalungun centre could widen access to vocational training and strengthen the readiness of North Sumatra's workforce to respond to changing labour market demands. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala