Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the effect of vocational training programs on career readiness among public high school students, focusing on how various program components contribute to the development of workforce competencies. Anchored in a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, the study examined the relationship between students perceptions of vocational training effectiveness and their level of preparedness for employment or higher education. Data were gathered through a structured survey administered to Grade 12 students enrolled in Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strands across selected public high schools. The vocational training components evaluated included hands-on learning experiences, industry-recognized certifications, career guidance and counseling, collaborative learning, and personalized instruction. Results indicated that vocational training programs have a significant positive effect on students career readiness. Among the components, hands-on learning and industry-relevant certification received the highest mean scores and were identified as the most influential factors. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the perceived effectiveness of training programs and students confidence, technical skills, motivation, and ability to transition into the workforce. These findings highlight the importance of aligning vocational education with labor market needs and ensuring practical, student-centered approaches in instructional delivery. The study underscores the value of strategic partnerships with industries, access to certification pathways, and reflective learning practices as key elements in enhancing student outcomes. Overall, the research provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of experiential and competency-based approaches in senior high school programs. It offers actionable insights for policymakers, school administrators, and educators in designing and implementing more effective vocational curricula that respond to the evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce.Keywords: vocational education, career readiness, public high school students, experiential learning, technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL), industry certification, workforce preparedness
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Genelou B. Estilo. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
