Medan Strengthens Job Linkages Through Youth Training Programs

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Medan City Government is strengthening its partnerships to better prepare young people for the labor market. Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas emphasized that every skills training initiative must go beyond certification and lead directly to real employment opportunities.

During an audience with the Yayasan Plan International Indonesia at Medan City Hall on Thursday (May 7, 2025), Rico highlighted the importance of aligning training programs with industry needs.

Training Must Lead to Real Jobs

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Rico stressed that the success of training programs should be measured by actual job placement rates in the private sector. He noted that initiatives such as "Youth be Ready, Inclusive, Skilled, Empowered (You RISE)" have already achieved placement rates of up to 85 percent.

"Skills development alone is not enough. What truly matters is connecting participants directly with the workforce," Rico Waas said.

Strengthening Trust Through Recommendation System

To further improve employer confidence in program graduates, the city government is considering the introduction of an official recommendation system. The Manpower Office is currently reviewing the possibility of issuing formal recommendation letters for training graduates.

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Such documents would serve as government-backed validation of participants' competencies and are expected to strengthen trust among employers. "However, the legal framework for implementation still needs further review," Rico added.

You RISE Supports Marginalized Youth

Private Sector Engagement Officer of Yayasan Plan International Indonesia, Ardiansyah Hasibuan, presented the You RISE program, implemented in collaboration with the DBS Foundation.

The program targets 2,000 young people aged 18 to 29, particularly women and persons with disabilities. It provides training in financial literacy, job readiness, information technology, hospitality, and retail, along with mentoring, leadership workshops, and career guidance.

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"Our goal is to better prepare young people for employment, strengthen financial literacy, and build confidence," Ardiansyah said. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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