IMPLEMENTATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION (TLE) PROGRAM IN TACURONG CITY DIVISION: ITS IMPACT ON THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' CAREER PREPAREDNESS

The study examined the implementation of the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) program in the Tacurong City Division and its impact on high school students' career preparedness. The TLE program aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge, preparing them for both immediate employment and further education. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the TLE program in enhancing students' readiness for their future careers. A descriptive-correlation method was employed using a quantitative surveys interview. The survey, conducted with 50 high school students from various schools within the Tacurong City Division, assessed their perceptions of the TLE program and its influence on their career preparedness. In-depth interviews with 25 TLE teachers and school administrators provided additional insights into the program's implementation and challenges. Findings indicate that students generally perceive the TLE program as beneficial for developing practical skills and boosting their confidence in pursuing career opportunities. However, there are significant variations in program effectiveness due to differences in resource availability, teacher expertise, and industry partnerships across schools. Students from well-resourced schools reported higher levels of career preparedness compared to those from under-resourced institutions. The study concludes that while the TLE program has a positive impact on students' career preparedness, its effectiveness is hindered by disparities in resource allocation and implementation consistency. Recommendations include increasing funding for TLE resources, enhancing teacher training, and fostering stronger collaborations with local industries to ensure a more uniform and impactful delivery of the program.