Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) officially strengthened its partnership with PT Bambang Djaja (B&D) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to advance structured internships, applied research, and workforce development in the electrical engineering sector. The agreement marks a significant milestone in Polije’s commitment to enhancing industry-linked vocational education.

The MoU signing took place following a series of technical consultations and company visits supported by Swisscontact’s Skills for Competitiveness (SS4C) program. This collaboration reinforces Polije’s ongoing efforts to align its study programs with industry-driven competencies and respond to the growing demand for skilled professionals in electrical manufacturing and transformer technology.

Representatives from Polije’s Engineering Department, including the Vice Director for Collaboration Affairs and academic leaders from the Electrical Engineering Technology (TET) Study Program, attended the ceremony. PT Bambang Djaja was represented by its senior management team, who expressed strong support for long-term cooperation with vocational institutions.

The MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including the implementation of structured internships, joint development of the Rencana Pembelajaran Vokasi (RPV), curriculum enhancement, and opportunities for applied research tailored to the needs of the electrical industry. Both institutions also agreed to explore instructor upskilling and facility-based learning initiatives.

A central component of the partnership is the enhancement of Polije’s structured internship program. PT Bambang Djaja has committed to hosting students annually, providing hands-on industrial experience in manufacturing operations, testing procedures, and engineering support functions. The company emphasized its satisfaction with previous Polije interns whose performance met professional expectations.

The signing also reflects PT Bambang Djaja’s ongoing trust in Polije’s graduates. Over the past two years, several alumni—including Ngurah and Jaler from the TET 2021 cohort—have successfully transitioned from internships to full-time employment at the company. The new MoU is expected to open further opportunities for recruitment of skilled young engineers.

In addition to workforce development, the partnership encourages collaboration in applied research and innovation related to electrical materials, transformer systems, and energy-efficient technologies. These initiatives will support Polije’s mission to strengthen its research culture while contributing to industry-relevant problem-solving.

Both Polije and PT Bambang Djaja expressed optimism that the renewed MoU will create sustainable and high-impact programs benefiting students, faculty members, and the industry. The agreement is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations between polytechnics and leading manufacturers across Indonesia.