ABSTRACT
This quantitative, descriptive study aimed to determine the career track of Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strand graduates of Lemery Senior High School over a five-year period (2020–2024) with the ultimate goal of enhancing the existing career guidance program. The research is grounded in the critical need to evaluate the effectiveness of the K-12 TVL track in the Philippines, which was designed to produce job-ready individuals. Previous studies have indicated persistent issues of youth unemployment, underemployment, and a significant job-skill mismatch between graduates' competencies and labor market demands.
The study specifically sought to: (1) profile the TVL graduates in terms of age, gender, specialization (SMAW, Automotive, and ICT), National Certificate (NC) level attained, batch, and highest educational attainment; (2) identify their chosen career exit (e.g., higher education, employment, entrepreneurship); (3) determine if a significant difference exists in career exits based on profile variables; (4) explore their future career plans; and (5) identify the challenges they encounter in career development.
A quantitative, descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a researcher-made, validated questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to graduates from the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Automotive Servicing, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) specializations within the Lemery Sub-Office. Data analysis incorporated statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, rank, weighted mean, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Initial findings suggest that TVL graduates exhibit a moderate level of entrepreneurial interest and a measured commitment to post-senior high trajectories. Specifically, future career plans ranked highest in entrepreneurship and overseas employment, while "further education and training" showed the lowest enthusiasm. Graduates also reported experiencing moderate difficulty in their career development. The final output of this study is a proposed action plan designed to address the identified competency gaps and challenges, thereby enhancing the employability of future TVL strand graduates.