Pemberdayaan Pemuda Produktif melalui Pelatihan Pengelasan Berbasis Kompetensi sebagai Strategi untuk Meningkatkan Daya Saing Tenaga Kerja

Limited access to technical training challenges job readiness and workforce competitiveness among rural youth. This community service program aimed to empower productive youth in Saunulu Village, Tehoru District, Central Maluku Regency, through competency-based welding training focused on technical skills, occupational safety, and economic independence. The program employed a participatory Competency-Based Training (CBT) approach involving preparation, coordination, socialization, theoretical instruction, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) demonstrations, supervised practice, and evaluation. Data collection included observation, activity documentation, and practical performance assessment. Pretests, posttests, and performance rubrics were planned to measure competency development. Participants practiced equipment familiarization, material assembly, metal joining, surface finishing, and fabrication of a steel table frame. The completed frame demonstrated practical application of welding techniques through direct mentoring. These activities indicate that competency-based welding training can support youth empowerment by introducing skills relevant to employment opportunities. However, individual competency improvements could not be quantified because assessment results were unavailable. The program provides a foundation for advanced training, competency certification, and welding-related entrepreneurship. Continued evaluation and mentoring are necessary to assess longer-term contributions to job readiness, economic independence, and competitiveness.