ABSTRACT
This study explores the career trajectories of graduates from the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Tourism Diploma Program at Agusan Del Sur College (ADSCO) in Bayugan City. Through a tracer study approach, it seeks to understand the employment status, job satisfaction, and career advancement of these graduates, providing valuable insights into their experiences in the workforce.
The primary goal of this research is to enhance the employability of future TVET graduates by ensuring that ADSCO’s programs remain aligned with the evolving demands of the tourism industry. By objectively analyzing the data collected, this study will generate actionable recommendations for program improvement, addressing the needs of both ADSCO and policy-makers in the education and labor sectors.
Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the study gathered data from 102 respondents through surveys and focus group interviews. The interview data was categorized into major and sub-themes such as challenges, opportunities, skill development, and future outlooks, which were then analyzed through frequency distribution and by finding the mean.
Key findings from this research will inform ADSCO and TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) on how to refine the TVET Tourism Diploma Program to better prepare graduates for the job market. Additionally, it highlights areas for curriculum enhancement, training techniques, and skill assessments. The results can serve as a foundation for continuous improvement in the delivery of TVET programs, ensuring their relevance to industry needs and providing graduates with the tools needed to succeed in their careers.
Key Words: TVET Graduate Tracer, Diploma Graduate Tracer Study
Findings
The following are the salient findings of the study.
1. The majority of respondents (86.3%) are young adults aged 20 to 30, most of whom have recently graduated or are still pursuing an education. A smaller group (13.7%) is aged 31-40, indicating a lower proportion of older people, potentially due to selective hiring procedures in the tourism and hospitality industries, which favor younger applicants. The sample is mostly female (66.7%), with males accounting for 33.3%. This aligns with industry trends in the Philippines, where women are more likely to work in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The bulk of respondents (79.4%) are single, with 12.7% married, 6.86% single parents, and 0.98 percent separated. A large percentage of graduates earned relatively modest earnings. The majority (35.29%) had monthly earnings of P5,000.00 to P10,000.00, with 21.57% earning less than P5,000.00.
2. Majority of respondents from the TVET Tourism track were employed (47.1%), followed by a considerable number of unemployed individuals (36.3%). A smaller percentage were self-employed (16.7%).
3. The study revealed significant challenges and opportunities for TVET tourism graduates. While job mismatch, financial constraints, and personal challenges posed obstacles, networking, practical experiences, and local employment opportunities provided pathways to success. Networking through student organizations, former professors, and classmates played a crucial role in securing job interviews and offers. Additionally, OJT programs helped graduates transition seamlessly into the workforce, with many being offered full-time employment by the companies where they trained. Local employment in restaurants, hotels, and bakeries within Bayugan City was also a viable option for graduates, who took advantage of the growing local economy and new business ventures. Some graduates pursued further education to enhance their qualifications and access better career opportunities, including working abroad. These findings highlight the importance of networking, practical experience, and adaptability in navigating the job market for TVET tourism graduates.
4. TVET Tourism track graduates demonstrated outstanding performance in their OJT in terms of job knowledge, job attitude, and personal relations. They possessed adequate knowledge about their assigned work, understood instructions easily, applied relevant theories, and communicated effectively. Additionally, the graduates exhibited industriousness, reliability, punctuality, a strong interest in learning, and a willingness to work beyond required hours. Furthermore, they demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills, being friendly, sincere, respectful, and capable of building positive relationships with peers and superiors. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the TVET program in preparing graduates for the workforce and their potential to excel in their chosen careers.
5. General Education/Minor Courses, Core/Major Courses, and extracurricular activities are found to be exceptionally valuable in enhancing the graduates' knowledge, skills, attitudes, critical thinking abilities, and understanding of various subjects. The graduates rated all indicators for these courses as either "Extremely Useful" or "Very Useful," highlighting their perceived importance in their professional development. The Core/Major Courses were particularly crucial as they aligned with TESDA’s qualifications and assessments, ensuring that graduates acquired the necessary competencies for the tourism industry. Extracurricular activities were also highly valued by the graduates, suggesting their positive impact on their overall educational experience.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn.
1. It appears that majority of respondents were young adults aged 20-30, indicating a recent graduation or ongoing education. A smaller proportion were aged 31-40, suggesting potential age discrimination in the tourism and hospitality industries. The sample was predominantly female, aligning with industry trends in the Philippines. Most respondents were single, with a smaller percentage married or in other relationship statuses. A large percentage of graduates reported modest earnings, highlighting potential financial challenges.
2. The study suggests that majority of respondents were employed, followed by unemployed individuals. A smaller percentage were self-employed, indicating a preference for traditional employment.
3. TVET Tourism graduates faced challenges such as job mismatch, financial constraints, and personal challenges. Networking, practical experiences, and local employment opportunities were identified as pathways to success. Networking through student organizations, former professors, and classmates played a crucial role in securing job interviews and offers.
OJT programs facilitated a seamless transition into the workforce, with many graduates being offered full-time employment. Local employment in restaurants, hotels, and bakeries provided viable options for graduates. Pursuing further education was another strategy for enhancing qualifications and accessing better career opportunities.
4. TVET Tourism track graduates demonstrated outstanding performance in their OJT in terms of job knowledge, job attitude, and personal relations. They possessed adequate knowledge, understood instructions, applied theories, and communicated effectively.
Additionally, they exhibited positive work attitudes and interpersonal skills, highlighting the effectiveness of the TVET program in preparing graduates for the workforce.
5. General Education/Minor Courses, Core/Major Courses, and extracurricular activities were deemed exceptionally valuable by the graduates. These courses enhanced their knowledge, skills, attitudes, critical thinking, and understanding of various subjects. The Core/Major Courses aligned with TESDA qualifications, ensuring graduates acquired necessary competencies for the tourism industry. Extracurricular activities contributed positively to the overall educational experience
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions drawn, the following recommendations are offered for consideration.
Agusan Del Sur College Inc. To improve graduate employability, the school’s administrators can adopt a strategic approach to networking and career preparation. Hosting networking events, career fairs, and building industry connections will increase graduates' visibility and job opportunities. Tailored workshops and training sessions can address specific challenges, such as overcoming discrimination and limited job prospects, providing targeted support. Encouraging proactive job search strategies, including personalized applications and resilience-building activities, can better prepare graduates for successful job placements.
Institutions of technical vocational education. TVET administrators can cultivate a culture of excellence and continuous improvement by recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance during On-the-Job Training (OJT). A system that acknowledges high achievers and offers incentives or formal recognition can motivate other students and provide graduates with valuable credentials for future employment. Additionally, TVET administrators can promote the sharing of best practices through workshops, seminars, or digital platforms, allowing educators and graduates to exchange successful strategies. This collaboration enhances the overall quality of training and improves graduates' employability by incorporating effective educational practices.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). DOLE is encouraged to collaborate with TESDA and local industries to raise awareness about labor market demands and provide financial assistance to graduates facing job search challenges. Wage adjustments and policies promoting regular employment can improve job stability in the tourism sector.
Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority. TESDA can significantly enhance the employability of TVET graduates by implementing comprehensive career counseling and job readiness programs. These should include personalized career guidance, job placement assistance, and resources for continuing education to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce. Strengthening employer engagement through industry partnerships and job fairs will connect graduates with better-paying and more stable job opportunities. Introducing job readiness modules, customized application support, and interview preparation can further align graduates' skills with industry demands. Additionally, incorporating resilience training into the curriculum will equip graduates to navigate challenges and adapt to evolving labor market conditions. TESDA should also provide advanced training programs and seminars aligned with industry standards to promote lifelong learning and skill enhancement, enabling graduates to remain competitive in the workforce.
Trainers and Faculty. To ensure optimal student success and industry readiness, trainers must align curricula with evolving industry needs, prioritizing employability skills such as communication, technology literacy, and entrepreneurial abilities. By integrating Problem-Based Learning and other innovative methodologies, trainers can enhance teaching effectiveness and foster a deeper understanding of real-world challenges.
Faculty and trainers should focus on comprehensive skill development, emphasizing both technical expertise and soft skills like communication, confidence, and problem-solving. Additionally, cultivating flexibility and adaptability in students will empower them to embrace diverse career paths and navigate changing job market conditions. By incorporating real-world challenges and adaptive thinking into coursework, educators can equip students with the mindset necessary for lifelong learning and long-term career success.
Students and Trainees of ADSCO. Students should actively engage in networking opportunities, build professional connections during their training, and utilize the support offered by the school, such as career guidance seminars and participation in job fairs like the "World Café of Opportunities." Embracing lifelong learning by pursuing higher education or certifications will further improve their employability.
Tourism of Bayugan City. To address the challenges faced by local TVET graduates, it is recommended that the local government and tourism stakeholders intensify efforts to attract investments and create more job opportunities within the city’s tourism sector. Initiatives like public-private partnerships can establish local attractions and facilities, boosting employment and enhancing Bayugan City's appeal to tourists.
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