<![CDATA[Although educated unemployment in Padang City is associated with limited employment opportunities, the issue also indicates that the alignment between the competencies of training graduates and labor market needs remains suboptimal. This study aims to analyze gaps in the implementation of competency-based vocational training, identify factors hindering the linkage between training and job placement, and formulate a training governance model oriented toward placement outcomes. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and problem-driven policy analysis using secondary data from BPS/Sakernas, training data, policy and regulatory documents, as well as exploratory primary data obtained from 24 employment stakeholders in August 2026. The data were analyzed using USG, implementation gap analysis, Fishbone, 5 Whys, and weighted comparative assessment. The results showed that 519 of 558 training participants (93.0%) were recorded as having passed the competency test, while 90 participants obtained job placement. Using the number of competent graduates as the denominator, the job placement rate was recorded at 17.3%. The low placement rate of graduates was also identified as a priority problem based on the exploratory assessment of stakeholders. The findings indicate a disconnect among information on labor demand, the involvement of the Business and Industrial Sectors (DUDI), training, certification, placement, and outcome monitoring. Based on these findings, the study formulated the DD-PBVT model, which integrates Labour Market Information, DUDI co-design, competency-based training, certification, placement, tracer study, and continuous improvement. The DD-PBVT model obtained the highest comparative score among the other policy alternatives based on the analytical assessment. However, this score does not represent evidence of actual effectiveness because the model has not yet been implemented and empirically evaluated. This study contributes a placement-based vocational training governance framework that can be used as a basis for strengthening the linkage between training and labor market needs. The effectiveness of DD-PBVT in increasing job placement and supporting efforts to address educated unemployment still requires further testing through implementation and evaluation.]]>
