THE IMPACT OF WORK IMMERSION PROGRAM TO THE EMPLOYMENT READINESS OF GRADE 12 HOME ECONOMICS STUDENTS OF IMMACULADA CONCEPCION COLLEGE

Abstract

A study titled The Impact of the Work Immersion Program on the Employment Readiness of Grade 12 Home Economics Students at Immaculada Concepcion College aims to assess the effectiveness of the work immersion program in enhancing Grade 12 Home Economics students' employment readiness and knowledge, contributing to their preparedness for the workforce. Researchers randomly selected respondents from the Grade 12 Home Economics students at Immaculada Concepcion College for the Academic Year 2023-2024, using a method called simple random sampling to validate the results. The researchers used a quantitative non-experimental research method to gather statistical information on how participating in a work immersion program influences students' readiness for employment and employed a descriptive research design using online questionnaires to measure behavior with precision. The statistical treatments used in this study include "Slovin's formula" to determine an appropriate sample size for a given population, "Weighted Mean" for the interpretation table, "Likert’s scale" to provide answer options that could be measured objectively, and the "Pearson Correlation Coefficient Formula" to measure how strongly two variables are related. The findings and results of the study indicate that students rated "High Extent" on the levels of work immersion skills in communication (average weighted mean of 3.75), adaptability (average weighted mean of 3.75), and time management (average weighted mean of 3.74). Additionally, students rated "High Extent" on being employment-ready in terms of leadership (average weighted mean of 3.61), problem-solving skills (average weighted mean of 3.705), and teamwork skills (average weighted mean of 3.68). The recommendations for students are to be ready for change and manage their time well. Administrators, teachers, and parents involved in work immersion programs should focus on improving the curriculum, providing networking opportunities, and facilitating connections with industry professionals. Future researchers should conduct a more thorough study using specific data and numbers to gain important insights for future studies. Based on the indicated findings, the alternative hypothesis, "There is a significant relationship between the level of work immersion skills and the employment readiness of Grade 12 Home Economics students at Immaculada Concepcion College," is not rejected. The gathered results show that both learning mediums have their own positive features. This means that students who have more exposure to work immersion skills are more likely to be ready for employment. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating work immersion programs into the curriculum to better prepare students for the demands of the workforce.