IJECE Published Articles

Abstract Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is expected to strengthen workforce readiness by equipping graduates with industry-relevant competencies. However, the extent to which TVET graduates secure employment, work in jobs aligned with their training, and utilize acquired skills remains an important concern for institutional planning and labor-market responsiveness. This study examined the employability, job–training alignment, skills utilization, and employment challenges of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) graduates of Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College in Western Visayas, Philippines, from 2019 to 2023. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 422 graduates through an adapted graduate tracer survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and employment profiles, while chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied to examine relationships and differences among variables. Findings showed that most respondents were young adults, with males comprising the larger proportion of the sample. The graduates completed various TESDA programs, with notable representation from Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Driving NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II. Most respondents were employed, although many were working in occupations not directly related to their completed TESDA program. Employed and self-employed graduates reported high utilization of acquired skills, while unemployed graduates commonly identified lack of experience and family-related reasons as barriers to employment. Significant relationships were found between employment status and selected profile variables, particularly age and course completed. Significant differences were also observed in the length of time before employment when graduates were grouped according to age, course, and year of graduation. In terms of skills utilization, sex was found to be a significant differentiating variable, with male graduates reporting higher utilization. The findings suggest that while TESDA training contributes positively to employability and skills application, stronger job–training alignment, industry linkage, career guidance, and post-training employment support are needed to improve graduate outcomes. Keywords: Employability; Graduate Tracer Study; Job–Training Alignment; Skills Utilization; Technical Education And Skills Development Authority; Technical-Vocational Education And Training; TVET Graduates