EXPLORING VOCATIONAL STUDENTS' ANXIETY DURING COMPETENCY SKILLS EXAMINATION PREPARATION AND THEIR READINESS FOR THE WORKFORCE AT BABURROHMAH VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, MOJOSARI

Abstract

Vocational education requires students to possess not only technical competencies but also psychological readiness to face the Competency Skills Examination (UKK) and transition into the workforce. These demands may cause anxiety that affects students’ academic performance and work readiness. This study aimed to explore vocational students’ experiences of anxiety in preparing for the UKK and entering the workforce at SMK Baburrohmah Mojosari. A qualitative study using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was conducted among ten twelfth-grade students selected through theoretical sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation and were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Five themes emerged: anxiety during UKK preparation and work readiness, coping strategies, self-development, changes in self-confidence, and career planning. The findings indicated that coping strategies, social support, and internship experiences enhanced students’ competence, self-confidence, work readiness, and future career orientation, thereby facilitating their transition into the workforce and supporting successful career preparation.