From Partnership to Practice: Strengthening Teaching Factory and Industry Collaboration Through University Mentoring

Abstract

Vocational education institutions are increasingly expected to produce graduates who possess industry-relevant competencies, entrepreneurial capabilities, and adaptability to technological transformation. Teaching Factory (TeFa) has emerged as a strategic learning model that integrates industrial work processes into vocational education; however, its implementation often faces challenges related to governance, stakeholder engagement, and industry collaboration. This community service study examines the contribution of university-led mentoring in strengthening Teaching Factory implementation and enhancing industry collaboration at SMK Negeri 1 Pangkalanbaru, Indonesia, under the SMK Pusat Keunggulan program. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation review. The mentoring program was implemented through five stages: initial assessment, stakeholder coordination, mentoring intervention, collaborative implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. The findings indicate that the mentoring program successfully strengthened institutional capacity and improved Teaching Factory implementation from Level 1 to Level 2. The intervention also facilitated the expansion of formal partnerships from two to four institutions, involving both industry and higher education partners. In addition, the program enhanced teacher and student competencies through industry engagement, practitioner teaching, and digital business training initiatives. The results demonstrate that university mentoring plays a significant role in fostering collaboration among schools, industries, government agencies, and higher education institutions, thereby supporting vocational education transformation. Despite challenges related to infrastructure development and Teaching Factory sustainability, the mentoring program contributed positively to creating a more industry-oriented and collaborative learning ecosystem. The study highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and university involvement in strengthening vocational education quality and workforce preparedness.