Skills and Career Interests of Grade VI Pupils

Abstract

Unemployment or job-mismatch remains a concern for governments and service providers. This study was geared towards identifying the skills and career interests of Grade VI pupils. It employed a descriptive research design using research-made questionnaires. The participants were from the top seven feeder schools of Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Philippines. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. The skills they wanted to develop in high school are computer and IT related skills. The programs students preferred to pursue in college were Business Management, Engineering and Architecture and Computer Science. Licensure examination, facilities and accessibility are factors to influence them to choose a college while employability as a factor in choosing a program. Cor Jesu College, Ateneo de Davao University and University of Mindanao were the top three preferred tertiary institutions. The respondents saw themselves managing their own business or working in a company in the future. After college, they were almost equally divided whether to work abroad or remain in the country. It appeared that the young pupils had inclinations towards computer and allied technology skills which were consistent with their career preference. The result of the study will have a big implication for schools offering K to 12 and college programs.