Industrial Training as a Medium for Strengthening Human Soft Skills among Students of Port Dickson Polytechnic, Malaysia

This study aims to identify the level of soft skills of Port Dickson Polytechnic students after undergoing industrial training, as well as the most mastered and least mastered soft skill components. This quantitative study uses a questionnaire containing 56 items to collect data from 86 respondents who are employers that offer industrial training. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive analysis techniques to measure mean, percentage, and standard deviation. The results of the study found that Port Dickson Polytechnic students showed a high level of mastery of soft skills after undergoing industrial training. The teamwork skills component is well mastered, while critical problem-solving skills have a lower level of mastery. Based on these results, several recommendations have been put forward, among which are increased training in critical problem-solving skills through simulations and intensive workshops, more strategic supervision in teamwork skills, as well as the integration of more recent information technology skills training to ensure students can adapt to industry developments. This study provides guidance to strengthen students’ soft skills through more effective industrial training programs.