Title: Blending Academic Learning with Industry Certification: Bridging Electrical Engineering Education and Workforce Competency

Abstract: Rapid technological transformation has created a growing gap between university learning outcomes and the competencies required by industry. For undergraduate Electrical Engineering programs, strong theoretical and analytical foundations remain essential; however, graduates are increasingly expected to demonstrate practical, industry-relevant competencies in areas such as computer networking, cybersecurity, automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital technologies. This keynote presents a blended academic–industry learning framework that integrates university curricula with industry-oriented learning platforms, particularly Cisco Networking Academy, and Indonesia’s National Work Competency Standards (Standar Kompetensi Kerja Nasional Indonesia, SKKNI), especially those relevant to the communication and informatics sector. The proposed framework connects academic Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs/CPL) and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs/CPMK) with industry learning modules, SKKNI competency units, hands-on laboratory activities, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment. Rather than replacing fundamental engineering education with vocational training, the approach positions industry learning and competency certification as complementary layers that provide observable evidence of students’ ability to apply engineering knowledge in authentic professional contexts. A competency portfolio or “Graduate Competency Passport” is proposed to combine academic achievement, laboratory performance, capstone projects, industry credentials, and nationally recognized competency evidence. Through systematic curriculum mapping, faculty development, university–industry collaboration, and continuous employer feedback, this model is expected to strengthen graduate employability while preserving the scientific rigor and long-term adaptability of undergraduate engineering education. Ultimately, higher education should produce graduates who not only understand engineering principles, but can also design, implement, troubleshoot, communicate, and continuously adapt their competencies to evolving industry needs.