Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor Tracer Study: CBT Graduates in the Workforce in Philippines
Abstract
This study investigates the employment experiences and skill utilization of graduates from Competency-Based Training (CBT) programs administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College (LGPC) in Maya, Balasan, Iloilo. Despite TESDA's efforts to enhance the quality of its CBT programs, previous studies indicate a gap between the competencies acquired by graduates and the demands of the job market. This tracer study specifically examines the employment status, industry sectors, and relevance of skills acquired through CBT programs among graduates from seven National Certificate qualifications. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from 233 graduates across the last three batches of each qualification though online google forms and hand-over questionnaires. Findings reveal a diverse employment landscape, with varying levels of job-relatedness and skill utilization among different programs. Graduates from culinary programs like Cookery and Bread and Pastry Production reported high relevance and consistent application of their training skills in the tourism sector, while other programs, such as Dressmaking and Organic Agriculture Production, exhibited lower levels of confidence in skill application. The results underscore the necessity for ongoing improvements in TESDA's CBT programs to better align training with industry requirements and enhance graduate employability. This study contributes to the understanding of the effectiveness of TESDA's programs and offers insights for potential curriculum enhancements to support the workforce integration of technical education graduates.
Keywords: TESDA, Graduate Tracer Study, LGPC, Qualifications, CBT Programs, skill utilization, Employment, industry sectors
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