VOlUME 05 ISSUE 06 June 2026
1Jesse Kent Vincent A. Bernada, 2Racso C. Daliva
1Capiz State University Pontevendra Campus, Phillipines
2Collage Of Education, Arts And Sciences Capiz State University-Pontevendra Campus, Capiz Phillipines
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i6n49Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT
The Senior High School (SHS) program was established to equip learners with competencies necessary for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and middle-level skills development. However, the extent to which learning-work competencies and track-strand challenges influence graduates’ career path preferences remains insufficiently explored. This study determined the predictive influence of learning-work competencies and track-strand challenges on the career path preferences of SHS graduates in Capiz Province. Employing a descriptive-correlational and predictive research design, data were collected from 387 SHS graduates selected through stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to measure learning-work competencies, track-strand challenges, and career path preferences. Descriptive statistics, Spearman rho correlation, and multiple regression analysis were utilized in analyzing the data. Results revealed that learning-work competencies had a moderate positive relationship with career path preferences (rs = .438, p < .001), while track-strand challenges demonstrated a weak but significant positive relationship (rs = .191, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis showed that learning-work competencies (β = .384, p < .001) and track-strand challenges (β = .146, p = .002) significantly predicted career path preferences. The regression model explained 20.1% of the variance in career path preferences (R² = .201, F (2,384) = 48.292, p < .001). Learning-work competencies emerged as the strongest predictor, suggesting that graduates with higher levels of interpersonal, cognitive, self-management, and technical competencies tend to exhibit clearer and more informed career preferences. The findings highlight the importance of competency development, experiential learning, and career guidance initiatives in supporting effective career decision-making among SHS learners.
KEYWORDS:Competency development, educational alignment, career decision-making and determinant, employability skills, student outcomes, Philippines
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Cite this Article:Bernada, J. K. V. A., & Daliva, R. C. (2026). Learning-Work Competencies and Track-Strand Challenges as Predictors of Career Path Preferences of Senior High School (SHS) Graduates in Capiz Province. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE HUMANITY & MANAGEMENT RESEARCHS, 5(6), 1813-1820. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i6n49