<![CDATA[The alignment between the competencies of Vocational High School (SMK) graduates and the needs of industry is one of the key indicators of the success of vocational education in preparing job-ready workers. However, a competency gap (skill gap) remains evident, resulting in some graduates being unable to meet the competency requirements demanded by industry. This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to the mismatch between graduates' competencies and industry needs at SMK Negeri 1 Motoling. The research employed a quantitative approach using a survey method. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to respondents consisting of final-year students and alumni and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that several factors contribute to the competency gap among graduates, including curriculum relevance, the quality of industrial work practice (internship) implementation, soft skills mastery, the availability of learning facilities and infrastructure, and the intensity of school–industry partnerships. Among these factors, soft skills mastery and industry partnerships exert a more dominant influence than the other factors in improving the alignment between graduates' competencies and labor market requirements. These findings suggest that efforts to enhance the quality of vocational education should not only focus on technical competencies but also emphasize the development of non-technical skills and sustainable collaboration with business and industrial sectors. The study implies the need for more adaptive vocational education strategies that respond to the dynamic demands of industry in order to strengthen the relevance and competitiveness of vocational high school graduates.  ]]>
