EMPLOYABILITY OF 2015 to 2018 GRADUATES OF NEUST SAN LEONARDO OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAM

Purpose — This research aimed to determine the employment status of NEUST Off-Campus Program San Leonardo Nueva Ecija graduates from 2015 to 2018 which also identifies the degree of contribution of skills and work-related values to the job placement of the 335 graduate respondents. Design/methodology/approach — Descriptive type of research was utilized in this research. Out of 500 questionnaires administered, 335 graduates returned answered questionnaires representing the three Colleges: Education, Management and Business Technology and Information and Communications Technology, and Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Findings — Findings show that there is 86 per cent of the graduates are gainfully employed locally with regular or permanent status who landed a job within 1 to 6 months. Likewise, the academic-acquired skills and competencies of the graduates are relevant to their chosen occupations. Practical implications — NEUST Off-Campus Program-San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija produces marketable and appropriately trained graduates with the majority landing in course-related jobs within a short period after graduation. Originality/value — The graduates possess the skills and competencies necessary to succeed in this competitive world. However, expansion of tie-ups with private business entities is made to at least maintain the high employability level of the graduates. Keywords — Employability, Tracer Study, Graduates, Off-Campus.