Labor Market Integration of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Graduates

This study examined the extent of labor market integration among Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholar graduates of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, focusing on employment status, employability, and the application of technical skills in the workplace. A descriptive-quantitative tracer design with a qualitative component was employed. Data were collected from 151 graduates through a structured survey and from selected participants through semi-structured interviews.
Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative responses were interpreted through descriptive narrative analysis. Findings revealed that most graduates were employed or self-employed and had obtained national certification, with overall labor market integration interpreted at a high extent across dimensions. However, moderate results in job alignment and transition to employment indicated the presence of job-skill mismatch and existing structural barriers in the labor market. Qualitative findings further identified challenges including limited employment opportunities, employer preference for degree holders, insufficient work experience, weak professional networks, financial constraints, and underutilization of acquired competencies. The findings suggest that while technical-vocational education contributes positively to employability, broader labor market conditions continue to affect graduates’ full integration into the workforce. The study recommends strengthening industry linkages and workplace-based training, enhancing career guidance and job placement services, expanding employer recognition of technical qualifications, and developing institutional support mechanisms that promote skills matching and sustainable employment opportunities for graduates.

Labor market integration, TESDA graduates, technical-vocational education and training (TVET), employability, job-skill mismatch, tracer study

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