Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) has strengthened its collaboration with the Polije Alumni Association (IKAPJ) to expand internship opportunities, job placement, and professional networking for students and graduates. The partnership was discussed during a strategic meeting between the university's leadership and the newly elected IKAPJ Executive Board for the 2026–2031 term, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing graduate employability and supporting vocational education.

During the meeting, Saiful Anwar, Director of POLIJE, welcomed the new IKAPJ leadership and expressed appreciation for the alumni association's commitment to supporting the university's development. He emphasized that alumni play a crucial role in strengthening the teaching factory ecosystem, improving industry collaboration, and creating wider access to internships and employment opportunities for current students and recent graduates.

The Director also highlighted that active alumni engagement contributes significantly to curriculum improvement by providing valuable feedback on industry needs and workforce trends. Their professional experience helps ensure that vocational education remains responsive to the evolving demands of businesses and industries, enabling POLIJE graduates to remain competitive in the labor market.

Leading the newly inaugurated IKAPJ management, Ir. H. Slamet Sulistiyono, S.P., M.Tr.P., IPM., ASEAN Eng., reaffirmed the association's commitment to mobilizing its extensive alumni network across various industries. Through this network, IKAPJ aims to facilitate internships, employment opportunities, professional mentoring, and stronger industry connections for both students and alumni entering the workforce.

The new leadership also outlined its vision to strengthen IKAPJ's organizational structure by expanding alumni chapters at departmental and regional levels. This initiative is expected to improve communication among alumni, increase collaborative activities, and create a sustainable support system that benefits both graduates and the university.

Beyond career placement, the partnership seeks to reinforce POLIJE's teaching factory and experiential learning programs. Alumni working in various sectors are expected to contribute as industry mentors, guest lecturers, internship supervisors, and collaborative partners in applied research and innovation, further enriching students' learning experiences.

The collaboration reflects POLIJE's commitment to building a strong career ecosystem where education continues beyond graduation. By leveraging the expertise and professional networks of its alumni, the university aims to accelerate graduate employment, enhance industry relevance, and strengthen long-term partnerships with employers throughout Indonesia.

Through this strengthened synergy between POLIJE and IKAPJ, both institutions reaffirm their shared vision of producing highly competent, industry-ready graduates while fostering a lifelong alumni network that contributes to educational excellence, career development, and national workforce competitiveness. The partnership represents an important milestone in advancing vocational education through sustainable collaboration between academia and its alumni community.