PLN West Java Distribution Unit Strengthens EV Competencies at SMKN 8 Bandung, from Theory to Real Practice

PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi (UID) Jawa Barat continues to promote readiness of human resources in the electric vehicle sector through collaboration with the education world. One implementation is carried out at SMK Negeri 8 Bandung through the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme, which strengthens competencies in electric motorcycle conversion based on practical approaches. Before the programme’s intervention in 2025, learning related to electric vehicles at SMKN 8 Bandung followed the national curriculum for “maintenance and repair of electric and hybrid motorcycles”. However, its implementation was still limited to theoretical aspects. In addition, practical facilities were inadequate, and connections with industry were not optimal. Seeing this condition, PLN UID Jawa Barat provided comprehensive support worth Rp 315.6 million. This programme not only focuses on providing facilities but also includes curriculum alignment, enhancement of teacher and student competencies, and strengthening practice-based learning through Teaching Factory (TEFA). Through this programme, SMKN 8 Bandung now has a special module for electric vehicle conversion integrated into the school curriculum. The learning process has become more applicable with regular weekly time allocation supported by new facilities in the form of an EV Class and TEFA 8 Motor practical workshop. A total of 16 teachers and 165 students received direct training from industry practitioners, equipped with pre-test and post-test evaluation methods as well as certification. The programme’s impact is also expanded through involvement of partner vocational schools, where 8 teachers and 16 students received similar competency enhancements. On the facilities side, PLN provided support in the form of a prototype converted electric motorcycle and development of the Micro Cargo EV innovation. This vehicle is used to support the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in the school environment, while also serving as a direct practice medium for students. The transformation of learning is now showing significant results. A total of 181 students now comprehensively understand the electric vehicle conversion process, while 24 teachers have the competency to teach the material independently. The available facilities have also met the requirements for applying for a type B certified conversion workshop, even opening opportunities for development into a Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD). General Manager of PLN UID Jawa Barat, Sugeng Widodo, stated that this programme is part of PLN’s role in supporting the energy transition through human resource strengthening. PLN not only builds electricity infrastructure but also plays a role in preparing superior human resources capable of adapting to technological developments, including electric vehicles. “Through collaboration with SMKN 8 Bandung, we want to ensure that the link and match between vocational education and industry needs is truly realised,” said Sugeng in a statement on Tuesday (14/4/2026). This programme is also in line with government efforts to accelerate the development of the national electric vehicle ecosystem, including preparing skilled workers who are key to the success of the energy transition. Sugeng added that the success of this programme is expected to become a model that can be replicated in other schools. “We hope this programme becomes a role model for electric vehicle competency development in West Java so that the EV ecosystem can grow sustainably, starting from the education world.” Now, SMKN 8 Bandung is not only a place of learning but also a real laboratory for electric vehicle development. From classrooms to practical workshops, students no longer just understand theory but are also able to create innovative solutions relevant to future needs.