This study investigates the effect of the Center of Excellence (PK) school assistance program on graduate employability, mediated through teacher work motivation and the availability of educational facilities at State Vocational High School 1 (SMK N 1) Kepanjen, Malang Regency. Using a quantitative approach and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis, data was collected from 295 alumni and teaching staff. The results highlight that the PK program significantly enhances the quality of the curriculum, provides targeted teacher training, and improves school infrastructure to better align with industrial demands. Moreover, the study demonstrates that teacher motivation, driven by recognition and institutional support, plays a crucial role in enhancing students' employability. Additionally, the availability of modern educational facilities, such as updated laboratories and workshops, further strengthens graduates' readiness for the workforce. Mediation analysis confirms that both teacher motivation and infrastructure development significantly contribute to graduates' employability. These findings suggest that strengthening vocational education through well-targeted assistance programs and continued industry collaboration can bridge the gap between vocational training and the job market, offering valuable policy recommendations to enhance vocational education outcomes.