Evaluating Employment Outcomes and Program Relevance: A Tracer Study of Laguna University's College of Education Graduates (2021-2024)

Abstract This study aimed to assess the employability of Laguna University College of Education graduates and the alignment of their academic programs with labor market demands. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design with a sample size of 139 graduates from the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) and 188 Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) programs, including majors in English, Mathematics, and Science, from the academic years 2021 to 2024. The findings revealed a high employability rate among the respondents, with 89.21% of BEEd graduates employed, predominantly in teaching roles. Similarly, BSEd graduates, particularly those majoring in English, also showed strong employment outcomes, with 92.93% employed in teaching. Non-teaching roles accounted for a smaller percentage of employment, indicating a strong alignment between the graduates' academic preparation and job market demands. The study concludes that Laguna University’s College of Education effectively equips graduates with the necessary skills for teaching careers. The implications of these findings suggest that higher education institutions, like Laguna University, continue to align curricula with labor market requirements to ensure that graduates possess both technical and transferable skills for career success. Additionally, educational policies and programs could benefit from further integration with industry needs to enhance employability. Keywords: tracer study, job roles alignment, frequently used skills, Laguna University