The Relevance of Islamic Religious Education Learning in Shaping Students’ Character and Readiness for the World of Work in Vocational High Schools

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relevance of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) learning in shaping students’ character and work readiness in vocational high schools. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation involving Islamic Religious Education teachers and vocational high school students. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Islamic Religious Education learning has strong relevance to students’ character development, particularly in terms of honesty, discipline, responsibility, cooperation, ethics, and integrity. These values are not only related to students’ personal development but also constitute important competencies for entering the workplace. Islamic Religious Education learning that is connected to real-life situations and workplace environments can help students understand the importance of professional ethics, responsibility, communication, and work attitudes based on Islamic values. Therefore, Islamic Religious Education in vocational high schools functions not only as religious instruction but also contributes significantly to developing students’ character and preparing them to enter the workforce as professional, ethical, responsible, and integrity-driven individuals.