PERAN KEPALA SEKOLAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN LULUSAN YANG BERDAYA SAING DI SMKN 1 KOTANOPAN

Abstract

This study is entitled The Role of Principals in Improving the Competitiveness of Graduates at SMKN 1 Kotanopan, which aims to describe the role of principals, motivating factors, and inhibiting factors in improving the competitiveness of graduates. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The data analysis technique used the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the principal of SMKN 1 Kotanopan acts as a visionary leader, education manager, motivator, and liaison between the school and the business and industrial worlds. This role is realized through the establishment of a clear vision and mission, the development of a competencybased curriculum, the implementation of industrial work practices, teacher training, and the development of students' soft skills. Factors that support the improvement of graduate competitiveness include a clear school vision and mission, support from teachers and staff, a culture of discipline and religiosity, the availability of infrastructure, and cooperation with industry. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors include limited infrastructure facilities that meet industry standards, budget constraints, uneven quality of human resources, slow curriculum adaptation, and competition with other schools.