Empowering Island Communities through STEM-Based Antenna Fabrication Training for Vocational Students in the Riau Archipelago

Rusfa Rusfa; Tonny Suhendra; Mariyanti Elvi; Ferly Oktavia

doi:10.55537/j-ibm.v6i2.1630

Authors

Rusfa Rusfa Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji
Tonny Suhendra Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji
Mariyanti Elvi Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji
Ferly Oktavia Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55537/j-ibm.v6i2.1630

Keywords:

antenna fabrication, community empowerment, digital connectivity, vocational education, wireless communication

Abstract

The Riau Archipelago faces persistent challenges in wireless connectivity, highlighting the need to strengthen local technological capacity. This community engagement program aimed to improve vocational students’ knowledge and practical skills in antenna technology through STEM-based training. Thirty students from Computer and Network Engineering and Telecommunication Access Network programs participated in theoretical instruction, Yagi and microstrip antenna fabrication, and performance measurement activities. Program effectiveness was evaluated using pre-test and post-test assessments and a participant satisfaction survey. The average score increased from 46.7 to 84.7, with a normalized gain of 0.71, indicating substantial improvement in conceptual understanding. Participants also reported high satisfaction with the relevance and usefulness of the training. These findings demonstrate that STEM-based antenna fabrication training can strengthen vocational students’ technical competencies and support local capacity development for digital connectivity in island communities.

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