The era of globalization requires workers to have standardized and recognized skills. If not, domestic work opportunities will be filled by foreign workers. To win this competition, domestic workers must have a certificate because of course we all do not want foreign workers to succeed in Indonesia. We must be the hosts and winners in our own country

In line with the urgency of the need for certified experts recognized by the world of work, the Department of Electrical Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta conducted a first competency test licensed by the Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BSNP) (6/10/2018). After the implementation of this inaugural test, the Department of Electrical Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering UNY, obtained the authority to conduct competency tests independently by establishing a Competency Test Center for the field of expertise in Electrical Power Utilization Engineering and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).

According to the Head of the Department, Totok Heru Tri Maryadi, this competency test is conducted at least once a semester considering the large number of students. "This competency test also has a very central role, especially in efforts to standardize and guarantee the quality of higher education graduates," continued Totok Heru.

The establishment of Competency Test Center for Electricity Engineering which is owned by the Department of Electrical Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering UNY has also collaborated with LSP (Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi) which is affiliated with DJK (Direktorat Jenderal Ketenagalistrikan) and other institutions such as LPJK (Lembaga Pengembangan Jasa Konstruksi Nasional) and PT. SMC (Sinar Mutiara Cakrabuana).

"So our hope is that the certificate issued by UNY will be recognized in the world of work and industry as evidence that our graduates are truly competent in their fields," continued Totok Heru.

Totok Heru added that the Competency Test Center of Electricity Engineering which is owned by the Department of Electrical Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering UNY, is also open to the public, meaning that all groups can participate in competency test. "In addition, it is also open for other agencies or institutions such as vocational schools, training centers and other universities in Indonesia to collaborate with UNY, especially in the implementation of professional certification," concluded Totok Heru. (haryo)