A Tracer Study of Navotas Polytechnic College Graduates of A.Y. 2009-2013: Exploring Employment Trends and Implications to Program Delivery

This study was conducted to identify the implications of the delivery program and to determine employment status of the graduates of Navotas Polytechnic College from year 2009 to 2013. Specific problems were: 1) What is the profile of the respondents in terms of personal variables and educational attainment? 2) What are the respondents’ employment data? 3) What are the recommendations given by graduates for the improvement of the program delivery of Navotas Polytechnic College?

The descriptive survey method of research was used in the study to gain the needed information on the graduates. The respondents of the study are 480 college graduates of the Navotas Polytechnic College from different courses during the academic years 2009-2013.

A survey questionnaire was developed and validated to gather data needed to answer the specific research problems. The statistical tools employed in the analysis and interpretation of the obtained data were mean, frequency count, percentage and ranking.

Results indicated that the NPC graduates are mostly female, single and matured, belonging to 21-26 age bracket. They studied in NPC because of the affordable tuition fee, proximity to house, because it is thedecision of their parents or guardians, influence of parents or relatives and availability of scholarships. Among the reasons for taking up their course were: prospect of immediate employment, strong passion for the profession, inspiration from a role model, good grades in high school and influence of parents and relatives.

The profile of the respondents showed that only a few had professional eligibility, underwent trainings and took up other courses after college. A few enrolled in the graduate programs for promotion purposes and for personal development.

The work experience profile of the respondents revealed that most of the graduates were employed locally as regular or casual employees at the time of the study. Having good communication skills and good attitude helped them in landing their jobs. They believed that their courses are relevant to their present jobs. Career Challenge, related to the course to the job, salaries and benefits, possession of related to skills and proximity of workplace to residence were the top five reasons why they accepted their jobs.

There are more respondents who were still working in their first jobs, though a significant number of them have changed jobs. Career challenge, salaries and benefits, their jobs arerelated to their Courses and special skills and proximity of workplace to residence are the common reasonsfor staying on or changing their jobs.

The most common job search methods used by the graduates are: through information from a friend, recommendation by someone and as walk-in applicant. Most of the respondents found their first job in less than six (6) months after graduation.

They perceived that their jobs are relevant to their degrees. Salaries and benefits, immediate job opening, and the lack of other job opportunities in their fields are the common reasons given by the graduates why they accepted jobs that are not related to their degrees.

Some respondents were not employed because they pursued further studies. They lacked the work experiences needed, they did not look for a job, they do not have connections or people to recommend them or they have plans of working abroad.

The graduates found the following competencies/skills helpful in their first jobs: ability to work under pressure, communication skills, human relation skills, decision making skills and critical thinking skills. Most of the graduates agreed that discipline, social responsibility, teamwork, integrity and excellence are the core values they learned at NPC that they found useful in their first job.

The graduates gavesuggestions on how to improve the delivery program of NPC.These are: Employ competent faculty members and provide faculty development programs to enhance their teaching competencies, 2) Provide a Job Placement Program for Graduating Students,3) Upgrade facilities, 4) Review and update the curriculum and syllabi and 5) Limit classsizeto 40 students.

It is then recommended that, the administration should provide regular trainings and seminarson the latest strategies and issues concerning the effective teaching and learning and instructors/professors should be encourage to attend seminars to employ new and effective strategies and improve their teaching competencies. The institution should upgrade school facilities to aidstudent learning. To conduct a more comprehensive tracer study to know the whereabouts of other graduates. If possible conduct the study by course so that the effectiveness of each curriculum program will be assessed. A job placement service should be organized to assist the graduates in finding decent jobs. Furthermore, it is recommended to review and if necessary update the syllabi and curricula to cater to the needs of the students and to make them relevant to the needs of the community.