Employability and Competence Skills of Graduating Students in a Private Higher Educational Institution in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Policy makers in the Philippines are focusing on the gaps between the knowledge and skills provided by higher educational institutions and the job opportunities available in the labor market. Graduates are often faced with challenges in looking for jobs right after graduation, thus, schools play a crucial role in ensuring that students are equipped with knowledge and competency skills. This study examines the level of employability and competence skills of the 309 graduating students taking up different degree programs of The Fisher Valley College located in Taguig City, Metro Manila. About 17.8% of the respondents are currently working and 21.7% wanted to work in the service sector. More than half of the total respondents wanted to work in the government. Most of the respondents will look for a job immediately after graduation. Communication skills are the most important of skills in order for them to get hired in their first job applications. The most important factor identified when selecting an organization or company for work is when it provides ample opportunities for them for career advancement. Among work-related values, respondents considered love for God and perseverance and hard work as the most important. Five components of employability skills were identified: (1) problem-solving and analytic; (2) learning; (3) personal organization and time management; (4) creativity, innovation, and change; and (5) personal strengths. Overall, students assessed that these skills are very important in employment. However, they reported lower competency levels on these skills particularly on solving problems, identifying essential components of the problem, sorting out the relevant data to solve the problem, and contributing to group problem solving. It is very important for all sectors, i.e., schools, government, and industry, to prepare the students acquire the necessary skills and provide them with opportunities as they enter the labor market.