Employability of Agriculture Sector Scholar Grantee Graduates in the TESDA Provincial Training Center–Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat: Basis for an Enhancement Program

This study examined the employment outcomes and program effectiveness of TESDA PTC-Lambayong agriculture sector scholar-grantee graduates. Specifically, the study determined the employment profile of graduates in terms of program completed, employment rate, employment status, and length of time in acquiring the first job; assessed the perceived relevance of training to first employment; identified the skills found useful in employment; examined the difficulties encountered in job search; evaluated the level of program provisions; determined the factors facilitating employment; and proposed an intervention plan to improve employment outcomes among graduates.
A quantitative descriptive research design was utilized. The respondents of the study were 125 TESDA PTC-Lambayong agriculture sector scholar-grantee graduates. A researcher-made questionnaire served as the primary data gathering instrument. Statistical tools employed included frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation.
Findings revealed that the majority of graduates completed the Agro-Entrepreneurship program and that a large proportion of graduates were employed, although many were engaged in contractual or non-permanent work arrangements. Most graduates secured employment within less than six months after training and perceived their training as highly relevant to their employment. Technical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills were identified as the most useful competencies in employment. Graduates, however, encountered several job-search difficulties, particularly lack of job opportunities and lack of experience. Program provisions were rated very high, especially in on-the-job training, laboratory and hands-on activities, and entrepreneurial activities. Factors facilitating employment, including technical competencies, industry partnerships, and work-related attributes, were also rated very high.
The study concluded that TESDA PTC-Lambayong agriculture sector programs effectively promote employability through competency-based and industry-aligned training. However, challenges related to job stability, skills mismatch, and labor market opportunities remain evident. It is recommended that TESDA strengthen industry partnerships, improve job placement services, enhance curriculum alignment, and expand entrepreneurship support programs to further improve employment outcomes.

Employability, TESDA Graduates, Agriculture Sector, Technical-Vocational Education

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