Lived Experiences of NCII Passers in Food and Beverage Services: Basis for the Development of Performance Training Plan

This study explores the lived experiences of former Grade 12 students specializing in Food and Beverage Services (FBS) at Sto. Tomas Senior High School in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, who have completed the National Certification II (NCII) competency assessment. The research aims to understand how their training and practical experiences shape their perceptions of the food and beverage industry, as well as to identify the challenges encountered during the assessment process and the coping strategies employed. Utilizing qualitative narrative inquiry, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, with an emphasis on the validation of research instruments and adherence to ethical considerations in data collection. Findings reveal that NCII passers navigate a range of experiences, highlighting the disparity between professional expectations and reality, the development of confidence and self-efficacy, and recognition within the industry. Key challenges identified include managing efficient service and lifting heavy loads, while effective coping strategies such as streamlined workflow and unwavering execution were employed to overcome these obstacles. The study proposes a performance training development plan focused on enhanced experiential and technology-enhanced learning to further support NCII passers. The results underscore the significance of resilience and patience in overcoming industry challenges, revealing the need for educational enhancements and improved career guidance. Ultimately, this research contributes to the identification of crucial experiences and challenges faced by NCII passers, laying the foundation for developing an effective performance training plan.