Educational pathways and employment outcomes of TVL–Home Economics graduates: A tracer study

Aim: This study traced the educational pathways and employment outcomes of Technical-Vocational Livelihood-Home Economics TVL-HE senior high school graduates of Mangan National High School from School Year 2018 to 2022.Specifically, it described the graduates' demographic profile, examined their college educational pathways, determined their employment status, and identified support systems that facilitated employment opportunities after graduation. Methodology:The study employed a descriptive research design using an adapted Graduate Tracer Survey and a review of official school records.A total of 138 graduates participated through convenience sampling.Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered online.Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, were used to analyze the demographic characteristics, college pathways, and employment experiences of the graduates using IBM SPSS.Results: Findings revealed that more than half of the graduates (53.62%) completed combined Home Economics specializations, while others specialized in Housekeeping, Bread and Pastry Production, Food and Beverage Services, and related fields.Nearly half of the graduates (44.39%) graduated with honors.Despite the employment-oriented objective of the TVL-HE curriculum, many graduates pursued college programs unrelated to their strand, including Teacher Education, Agriculture, and Engineering.Employment outcomes indicated notable challenges, as 55.80% of the graduates were unemployed and 68.84% had no work experience after senior high school.Among those employed, most obtained jobs within one to six months.Nevertheless, more than 90% of respondents reported that the TVL program helped improve their skills, increased job opportunities, and prepared them for real-life work environments. Conclusion:The study concludes that the TVL-Home Economics program contributes to the development of practical skills, academic achievement, and career awareness among graduates.However, gaps remain in employment alignment and the transition from school to the labor market.Strengthening career guidance, improving facilities and hands-on training, and establishing stronger partnerships with industries may enhance the employability and workforce readiness of TVL-HE senior high school graduates.