PRIGEL: a work-integrated learning model for collaborative and professional competence in vocational education

This study presents the development of a structured and contextually grounded industry internship model—PRIGEL—designed to align with Indonesia's Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy. The PRIGEL model comprises three key stages: pre-internship training, workplace integration with dual supervision, and post-internship evaluation. It supports two academic credit schemes (12 credits for 3 months; 20 credits for 6 months), ensuring compliance with MBKM. The model aimed to support collaborative competence and professional readiness among prospective vocational fashion teachers. Using a research and development (RD) approach based on the ADDIE model, the study involved 92 student participants and 10 validators, including 5 academic experts and 5 industry practitioners. Data were collected using mixed methods. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively to examine expert validation and students’ perceptions of practicality and usefulness, while qualitative data from focus group discussions and stakeholder feedback were analyzed thematically through triangulation. The findings indicate that most students perceived the PRIGEL model as beneficial for professional preparation, while expert and industry feedback highlighted its practicality and alignment with industry needs. The study offers a replicable work-integrated learning framework for vocational teacher education.