Bridging the skills gap through Agile methodologies in Vocational Software Development Education

This study introduces a multi-semester framework for Vocational Software Development Education (VSDE) that incorporates Agile practices—specifically Scrum, Lean Startup, and Extreme Programming—into a Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum. Conducted at an Indonesian polytechnic with 51 students across six courses, the framework was evaluated using a mixed-methods case study that combined qualitative data (such as interviews and reflections) with quantitative indicators (including Net Promoter Score [NPS], Minimum Viable Product (MVP) delivery, and sprint completion rates). The findings demonstrated a systematic improvement, with the median NPS increasing from 20.0 in Sprint 1 to 56.9 in Sprint 5, and six out of seven teams showing progress (Friedman χ²(4) = 11.38, p = 0.023). Survey results indicated gains of 1.5–2.0 points in Agile competencies, while student reflections highlighted a greater sense of ownership and more adaptive delivery processes. Overall, the results indicate that the iterative adoption of Agile practices can enhance both product quality and professional readiness. This study presents a replicable model and provides practical guidance for curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and scaling Agile pedagogy across diverse institutional contexts.