From Reels to Job Opportunities: TechPath Expands Access for Bojonegoro Youth to Master Digital Marketing
28 April 2026
Bojonegoro, 28 April 2026 – Conventional sectors such as industry and services are often considered common career choices in Bojonegoro, East Java. However, as technology advances, digital skills are emerging as both a complementary and an alternative career option, especially for the younger generation.
This shift is felt by young people, including participants of TechPath—a job-readiness training program in digital marketing and content creation organized by Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) with support from ExxonMobil Cepu Limited. Cerli (28), a freelancer, began utilizing social media marketing techniques and has since found new job opportunities after completing the training.
“I now better understand how to create Reels content that is not only visually appealing but also has a clear storyline. From a digital marketing perspective, I have learned to read insights and develop strategies to better target content,” said Cerli.
Gita (21), a Deaf participant who took part in the training while studying and working, experienced similar changes. “After joining TechPath, I learned many new things, such as creating more engaging and creative Reels, and I also gained the confidence to speak in public. Furthermore, I have developed a better understanding of the importance of gender equality and mutual respect,” she said.
These stories reflect the realities of young workers in Bojonegoro. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded 3.90 percent of the region’s Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) in 2025, with most of them being in the productive age.
However, opportunities remain to support young people in adapting and competing in today’s job market. In this context, Plan Indonesia, with support from ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, implemented TechPath: Bridging Youth to STEM Careers. This program was designed to equip young people (18-29 years old) with practical skills that can be applied immediately, either to support existing employment, develop their businesses, or create opportunities for digital-based self-employment.
From its launch in 2025 to its conclusion in April 2026, TechPath has attracted 306 applicants, with 84 people selected to participate in the training series. The program also emphasized its commitment to inclusion, with 60 young women (72 percent), 24 young men (28 percent), and six participants with disabilities actively participating. Of the 56 participants who completed the training, 47 have secured employment, internships, or started independent work in the digital and creative sectors.
This achievement demonstrates that digital skills training, when tailored to the local context and accompanied by mentoring, can expand young people’s access to real job opportunities. Ristanto, Head of the Development and Marketing Section of the Bojonegoro Vocational Training Center (BLK), believes TechPath’s approach aligns well with the characteristics of young people in the region. “TechPath training is well suited to Bojonegoro, where young people tend to be creative, entrepreneurial, and independent,” he said.
Plan Indonesia’s Executive Director, Dini Widiastuti, added that TechPath is designed to develop more than just technical skills.
“This program builds comprehensive job-readiness, from digital skills and self-confidence to an understanding of gender equality and collaboration. We hope young people will have more options to adapt to the changing work landscape,” she explained for the program’s closing ceremony.
Meanwhile, Wahyu Sadewo, Community Development Supervisor at ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, emphasized the importance of strengthening youth capacity as part of long-term development efforts.
“Bojonegoro plays a vital role in the national economic structure, particularly in the energy sector. At the same time, developing digital skills can complement the existing employment ecosystem and help young people prepare for the future of work,” he said. The closing of TechPath reinforces the message that strengthening digital skills can complement and expand employment opportunities for young people in Bojonegoro. Through collaboration between the local government, training institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations, approaches like TechPath are expected to continue strengthening youth job-readiness in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
