FROM GRADUATION TO OCCUPATION: A STUDY ON JOB SATISFACTION AND EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCES OF TVL-HE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WITH NC II CERTIFICATION

This study intends to evaluate the employability, job satisfaction, and employment experiences of TVL-Home Economics (HE) graduates with NC II certification from Solano High School. Graduates of the TVL track, especially those specializing in Home Economics (HE) and possessing National Certificate II (NC II) credentials, are expected to be well-prepared for the workforce. The assessment seeks to provide data for better workforce preparation and matching the curriculum with employer needs. Though more thorough studies on TVL employability exist, research deficiency results from the lack of specific information on how the economic environment of Solano, employer requirements, and the quality of TVL-HE training affect the employment prospects of these graduates. The main goal of the research is to examine the demographic profile and job status. The main goal of the study is to examine the demographic profile, employment status, job satisfaction elements, employment concerns, job alignment with NC II certification, and job security of these graduates. Data were compiled from a self-administered survey form and examined using both thematic and descriptive approaches. According to a study, TVL-HE graduates from Solano High School with NC II certification are mostly young, female, and recent completers; 37.5% of them pursue additional study and have a high 25% unemployment rate. Although some graduates land employment, the travel sector is not very strong. Job satisfaction is high; scores in professional development, job activities, and interpersonal relationships are great. Lack of additional certificates, underemployment, and a need for better career advice and curriculum alignment are drawbacks, though. While TVL-Home Economics graduates from Solano High School with NC II certification show strong interpersonal skills and high job satisfaction, the findings of this study point to a difference between their training and the local labor market demands, shown by a significant unemployment rate of 25% and prevalent underemployment. By addressing these gaps, graduates' employability might increase, and they might be more prepared to satisfy employers, thus enhancing the local workforce. Keywords: TVL-Home Economics (HE), NC II certification, Employability, Job satisfaction, Underemployment