A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Cabiao Campus Batch 2024 and 2025

Abstract

This investigation evaluated the employability, professional competencies, and internship experiences of the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Cabiao Campus for the academic years 2024–2025. The study objectives were to obtain the demographic characteristics of the graduates and the employment profile, how the graduates have matched their jobs with their degrees, their practical abilities and skills learned from the institution, and their practicum and internship experience’s effect. A descriptive quantitative research design was used in the study. Respondents were 170 BEED graduates of 2024 and 2025 who were identified through total enumeration and purposive sampling strategies. A researcher-made questionnaire was used as the main data instrument and was shared online using Google Forms, email, Messenger, and other social media platforms. Frequency, percentage, and weighted mean were used to analyze the observations made in the data. The findings showed that a high proportion of graduates were employed in the local area; however, many were working in fields not directly related to their degree. The findings also showed that the respondents strongly agreed that the BEED program effectively strengthened their communication skills, critical thinking, teaching competencies, leadership skills, and ICT skills that pertain to professional practice. Moreover, the graduates self-reported very high ratings regarding practicum and internship experiences, which showed that they ready them for managing a classroom, teaching in-person, and carrying out teaching duties in real life. This research can guide curricula improvement, support programs, and a continuous improvement process of the BEED program to strengthen graduate employability and professional readiness.