Employment Outcomes and Educational Pathways of Senior High School Graduates: Implications for an Enhanced Implementation Program

Abstract

This study aimed to track the status of Senior High School (SHS) graduates in the Schools Division Office of Cabuyao City from 2018 to 2022, assess the alignment of SHS tracks and strands with employment and post-secondary engagement, and provide a basis for an enhanced SHS implementation program. The study employed a descriptive research design and snowball sampling because of accessibility challenges, yielding 438 respondents from a target population of 1,264 graduates. Data were collected through a researcher-developed survey questionnaire administered through Google Forms and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, ranking, and inferential statistics, including Spearman's rho and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that most respondents were female (61.2%) and single (97.7%), with the majority enrolled in the Academic Track (59.5%), followed by the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Track (38.7%). Employment analysis indicated that 51.3% of graduates were engaged in part-time work, while only 12.8% held permanent positions. Although graduates generally perceived their SHS education as relevant to their current status, only 50.2% were employed in occupations aligned with their SHS specialization, suggesting a mismatch between training and labor market demands. The findings indicate that while SHS provides foundational preparation for employment and further education, gaps in employability and job alignment persist. The study recommends strengthening curriculum-industry alignment, enhancing work immersion and employability programs, intensifying career guidance and placement services, and promoting post-SHS upskilling through TESDA and industry-recognized certifications to improve graduate outcomes.