Project-based learning and vocational students’ employability, self-confidence, and career adaptability through field work practice readiness

Darmilawati Darmilawati; Sukardi Sukardi; M. Giatman; Henny yustisia; Lasyatta Syaifullah

doi:10.32698/03592

Project-based learning and vocational students’ employability, self-confidence, and career adaptability through field work practice readiness

Darmilawati Darmilawati⁽¹⁾, Sukardi Sukardi⁽²⁾, M. Giatman⁽³⁾, Henny yustisia⁽⁴⁾, Lasyatta Syaifullah⁽⁵⁾,
(1) Universitas Negeri Padang

Indonesia
(2) Universitas Negeri Padang

Indonesia
(3) Universitas Negeri Padang

Indonesia
(4) Universitas Negeri Padang

Indonesia
(5) Universitas Negeri Padang

Indonesia

Corresponding Author

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32698/03592

Full Text:

Language : en

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the contribution of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) to employability, self-confidence, and career adaptability, with Field Work Practice (FWP) readiness as a mediator. Methods: A quantitative causal-associative design involved 120 Grade XII students from seven vocational programs selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using five-point Likert questionnaires and analyzed using PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4. Results: PjBL significantly predicted FWP readiness (β = 0.478, p < 0.001), employability (β = 0.412, p < 0.001), self-confidence (β = 0.380, p < 0.001), and career adaptability (β = 0.414, p < 0.001). FWP readiness partially mediated employability (β = 0.087, p = 0.043), self-confidence (β = 0.120, p = 0.014), and career adaptability (β = 0.122, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Integrating PjBL with workplace preparation strengthens vocational students’ career-related competencies.

Keywords

Career Adaptability; Employability; Field Work Practice Readiness; Project-Based Learning

References

Alfianto, I., Kamdi, W., Isnandar, & Dardiri, A. (2019). Parental support and career guidance as an effort to improve the career adaptability of vocational high school students. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 8(1), 163–173. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85077892722?origin=resultslist

Ambiel, R. A. M., Da Cunha Moreira, T., Oliveira, D. A., Pereira, E. C., & Hernandez, D. N. (2018). Self-efficacy, adaptability and intention of searching for vocational guidance in adolescents; [Autoeficácia, adaptabilidade e intenção de busca de orientação profissional em adolescentes]. Paideia, 28(69). https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-4327e2840

Amish, M. (2025). Enhancing employability through collaborative project-based learning. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(1).

Bhakti, C. P., Kumara, A. R., Ghiffari, M. A. N., Azfin, T. A., & Na’Fiah, H. H. (2025). Development learning media board game based augmented reality to increase career awareness of vocational high school students in Yogyakarta. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3354. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0293051

Bochoti, S., Serdaris, P., & Spinthiropoulos, K. (2026). Career adaptability and individual factors in Greek secondary education. International Journal of Education and Practice, 14(2), 274–287. https://doi.org/10.18488/61.v14i2.4894

Buyukcolpan, H., & Karacan Ozdemir, N. (2025). Decent Work in TVET: Examining Predictors and Outcomes of Perception of Future Decent Work Among Turkish Vocational High School Students. Journal of Career Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1177/10690727251368378

Eckhardt, M. K. (2024). The role of experiential learning in developing career preparedness for employment: A qualitative study of college students’ perspectives and experiences. Middle Tennessee State University.

Eze, N., Memedovich, A., Asante, B., Skidmore, B., & Clement, F. (2026). Improving Career and Vocational Outcomes in Students: A Systematic Review. Adolescents, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents6020035

Ferdian, F., Efnawati, Y., Mayasari, E., & Pratama, V. M. (2025). Enhancing Career Readiness of Hospitality Management Students through English Communication Skills and Project-Based Learning in Higher Education. JURNAL KAJIAN PARIWISATA DAN BISNIS PERHOTELAN, 6(3), 198–205.

Hummel, H. G. K., Boyle, E. A., Einarsdóttir, S., Pétursdóttir, A., & Graur, A. (2018). Game-based career learning support for youth: effects of playing the Youth@Work game on career adaptability. Interactive Learning Environments, 26(6), 745–759. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2017.1402062

Ismail, S., Ferreira, N., & Coetzee, M. (2016). Young emerging adults’ graduateness and career adaptability: Exploring the moderating role of self-esteem. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 26(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2016.1148417

Kenny, M. E., Haase, R. F., Tsai, B. W., Medvide, M. B., & Davila, A. (2022). Applying the Psychology of Working Theory for Understanding Adaptive Career Progress of Youth. Journal of Career Assessment, 30(4), 635–657. https://doi.org/10.1177/10690727211067699

Kristiana, J., Syamsuddin, A., Giovanni, J., Meitiana, M., & Lampe, N. A. (2025). Bridging soft skills and work readiness: The strategic role of self-efficacy and organizational experience in final-year students. JSM: Jurnal Sains Manajemen, 14(1), 1–15.

Kvasková, L., Hlado, P., Palíšek, P., Šašinka, V., Hirschi, A., Ježek, S., & Macek, P. (2023). A Longitudinal Study of Relationships Between Vocational Graduates’ Career Adaptability, Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy, Vocational Identity Clarity, and Life Satisfaction. Journal of Career Assessment, 31(1), 27–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/10690727221084106

Landgrebe, V., Aragon-Hahner, S., & Strickroth, S. (2024). Let’s Choose STEM: An Overview on Study Program Guiding Online Self-Assessments and Future Directions. International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings, 1, 135–145. https://doi.org/10.5220/0012632200003693

Mahfud, T., Mulyani, Y., Setyawati, R., & Kholifah, N. (2022). The Influence of Teaching Quality, Social Support, and Career Self-Efficacy on the Career Adaptability Skills: Evidence from a Polytechnic in Indonesia; [Влияние качества преподавания, социальной поддержки и карьерной самоэффективности на навыки профессиональной адаптации: на примере Политехнического института в Индонезии]. Integration of Education, 26(1), 27–41. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.106.026.202201.027-041

McQuinn, S. B. (2023). The impact of high school professional internships on college and career readiness. University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Muliadi, M., Sutadji, E., Isnandar, I., & Widiyanti, W. (2025). Analysis of the mental readiness of technology and engineering students before industrial work practice. Jurnal Inovasi Teknologi Pendidikan, 12(4), 366–382.

Musabekova, G. T., Mamraimov, S. D., Apasheva, S. N., Meirbekov, M. B., Doshmanov, E. K., & Moldadosova, A. K. (2014). The system of work of teacher to professional orientation of senior students. Life Science Journal, 11(8), 212–217. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84899832974?origin=resultslist

Negru-Subtirica, O., & Pop, E. I. (2016). Longitudinal links between career adaptability and academic achievement in adolescence. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 93, 163–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2016.02.006

Nikander, J. A. O., Aunola, K., Tolvanen, A., & Ryba, T. V. (2022). Associations between student-athletes’ self-esteem and career adaptability across the high school years. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 32(4), 789–797. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14114

Ojala, J., Nikander, A., Aunola, K., De Palo, J., & Ryba, T. V. (2023). The role of career adaptability resources in dual career pathways: A person-oriented longitudinal study across elite sports upper secondary school. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102438

Oliver Sr, T. A. (2025). Work-Based Learning: The Impact It Has on the Success of High School Students After Graduation. Trevecca Nazarene University.

Parmentier, M., Dangoisse, F., Zacher, H., Pirsoul, T., & Nils, F. (2021). Anticipatory emotions at the prospect of the transition to higher education: A latent transition analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103543

Peng, F., Li, Y., & Xu, W. (2024). Internship and career adaptability: addressing occupational stigma and identity for hospitality management students. Tourism Review, 79(1), 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-12-2022-0631

Pratama, Y. A., Putri, A. M., & van den Berg, I. (2026). Enhancing Vocational Students’ Work Competitiveness through Work-Based Project Learning: A Quasi-Experimental Study in West Java, Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Action Research, 5(1), 129–146.

Qingfeng, Y., Ruibo, X., Wan, D., Jiayi, L., & Weijian, L. (2024). Parent-Child Relationship and Career Adaptability of Secondary Vocational Students: From the Perspective of Career Construction Theory; [亲子关系与中职生生涯适应力: 基于生涯建构理论视角]. Journal of Psychological Science, 47(6), 1496–1506. https://doi.org/10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20240621

Santana-Vega, L. E., Ruiz-Alfonso, Z., & Feliciano-García, L. (2023). Gender stereotypes and vocational variables in secondary education female students; [Estereotipos de género y variables vocacionales en alumnas de educación secundaria]. Revista de Educacion, 2023(400), 247–274. https://doi.org/10.4438/1988-592X-RE-2023-400-578

Santri, F., & Sholihin, A. (2026). The Effect of Participation in Internship Programs Certified and Project-Based Training on The Work Readiness of Students of SMK Prapanca 2 Surabaya. Economics and Digital Business Review, 7(2), 158–169.

Setiyawan, A., Soeharto, S., Yunianto, W., Cahyono, A. N., Kasti, H., & Lavicza, Z. (2025). How orthographic projection engineering drawing support VHS students in their future career: An industrial perspective. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/03064190251377899

Silva, C., & Gamboa, V. (2014). The impact of the internship on the career adaptability of vocational education students; [O impacto do estágio na adaptabilidade de carreira em estudantes do ensino profissional]. Revista Brasileira de Orientacao Profissional, 15(2), 105–114. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84939427847?origin=resultslist

Šverko, I., & Babarović, T. (2016). Integrating personality and career adaptability into vocational interest space. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 94, 89–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2016.02.017

Tentama, F., & Anindita, W. D. (2020). Employability scale: Construct validity and reliability. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 9(4), 3166–3170. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85083481517?origin=resultslist

Tentama, F., Santosa, B., & Ali, R. M. (2024). Employability on vocational high school students in the ”3T” area Bawean Island. Journal of Education and Learning, 18(4), 1477–1485. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v18i4.20889

Tomac, N., Krpanec, E., Černja Rajter, I., & Popović, D. (2026). Parental Support and School Achievement as Resources for School Engagement and Career Adaptability in Vocational Secondary School Students; [Roditeljska podrška i školski uspjeh kao resursi obrazovne angažiranosti i karijerne adaptabilnosti učenika strukovnih škola]. Psihologijske Teme, 35(2), 323–346. https://doi.org/10.31820/pt.35.2.7

Wang, L., Ye, J.-H., Lee, Y.-S., & Miao, C.-J. (2022). Analysis of influencing factors of subjective career unsuccessfulness of vocational college graduates from the Department of Navigation in China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1015190

Wibowo, D. H., Ambarwati, K. D., & Crescenzo, P. (2020). The role of grit and parent-child communication in career adaptability. Psikohumaniora, 5(2), 185–196. https://doi.org/10.21580/pjpp.v5i2.5727

Xiao, T., Zeng, Q., Peng, Y., Zhang, M., & Wang, B. (2024). Career-related parental support and learning engagement: Exploring the mediation pathways of career adaptability and life meaning. Career Development Quarterly, 72(4), 295–309. https://doi.org/10.1002/cdq.12362

Zeng, Q., He, Y., Li, J., Liang, Z., Zhang, M., Yi, D., & Quan, J. (2022). Hope, future work self and life satisfaction among vocational high school students in China: The roles of career adaptability and academic self-efficacy. Personality and Individual Differences, 199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2022.111822

Zeng, Q., He, Y., Quan, J., Yang, Y., Li, J., & Chen, P. (2026). Career maturity and career adaptability among vocational high school students: a moderated mediation model of future time perspective and future work self. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 26(1), 177–196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-024-09708-0

Zeng, Q., Wang, J., He, Y., Huang, F., Luo, H., Wu, J., & Zhang, M. (2024). The effect of career-related parental support on life satisfaction among vocational school students. Psychology in the Schools, 61(4), 1532–1548. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.23126