Authors :
Siony Latonio Estadula; Manuel V. Estera
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/33eajsw5
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3m2z8upj
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov039
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.
Abstract :
The Special Program for Technical Vocational Education (SPTVE) plays a significant role in equipping students
with 21st-century technical skills that align with industry demands. This study examined the level of development of
industry-required skills integrated into the SPTVE curriculum and explored strategies to strengthen its implementation.
Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered from students and teachers through surveys, interviews, and
thematic/content analysis of the SPTVE curriculum. Findings indicate that while computer literacy, research projects, and
hands-on activities are well-integrated into the curriculum, areas such as industry collaboration, innovation, and
entrepreneurial development require further enhancement. The study highlights the need for stronger industry linkages,
enhanced teacher training, improved facilities, and expanded work immersion opportunities to ensure that students
graduate with competitive technical skills. Based on the results, a strategic plan is proposed to align the SPTVE curriculum
with industry requirements, focusing on curriculum enhancement, industry partnerships, faculty upskilling, and
competency-based learning. The study concludes that a strengthened SPTVE program will not only improve student
employability but also contribute to economic growth and workforce development. Moreover, the study underscores the
importance of nurturing soft skills alongside technical competencies. Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving,
adaptability, and collaboration emerged as essential attributes that are moderately developed among learners but often
overlooked in curriculum delivery. Integrating these 21st-century skills in classroom activities, performance tasks, and
assessment frameworks is crucial to producing well-rounded graduates who are not only technically capable but also
equipped to thrive in complex, real-world environments. By fostering both hard and soft skills within the SPTVE framework,
schools can better prepare learners for diverse career pathways and lifelong learning.
Keywords :
Special Program for Technical Vocational Education, 21st-Century Skills, Industry Collaboration, Curriculum Development, Workforce Readiness.
References :
- Billett, S., (2011). Vocational Education: Purposes, Traditions and Prospects.https://books.google.com
- Bray, S., (2018). Vocational Education. https://www.kriso.lt/vocational-education-db-978183947231e.html
- Conley, D.T., (2014). A New Era for Educational Assessment. https://files.eric.ed.gov./fulltext/ED559683
- Department of Education Order No. 021, s. 2019. Policy Guidelines on the K to 12 Basic Education Program
- Ejili, A.E., (2014). Quality Assurance in Vocational and Technical Education: A Panacea to Youth Unemployment in Nigeria, 431-445. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1644634294 Keevy, J.,
- Gordon, R., (2020). The End of Modern Economic Growth as We Know It. https://www.cambridge.org
- IntechOpen. (2024). TVET in the 21st century – A focus on innovative teaching and competency indicators. In Perspective Chapter.
- Kamaruzaman, F. M., Nik Othman, N. N. J., Omar, M., & Zaid, M. F. A. (2025). Future generic skills for Technical Vocational Education graduates. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(3)
- Kim, S., Raza, M., Seidman, E., (2019). Improving 21st Century Teaching Skills: The Key to Effective 21st Century Learners. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745499919829214
- King, K., Palmer, R., (2010). Planning for Technical and Vocational Skills Development. https://www.inee.org
- Kivunja, C., (2015). The Role of Technology literacy, adaptability, and other transferrable skills in preparing students for future work. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(33), 24-30. UNESCO-
- Long, C., Sam, R., Ny, C., (2024). The Impact of Assessment for 21st Century Skills in Higher Education Institutions: A Narrative Literature Review. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378659413
- Marope, P.T.M., Chakroun, B., Holmes, K.P., (2015). Unleashing the Potential: Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Education on the Move (36), 117-119 https://doi.org/10.54675/HXES1603
- Mutohhari, F., Sutiman, S., Nurtanto, M., Kholifah, N., Samsudin, A., (2021). Difficulties in
- Implementing 21st Century Skills Competence in Vocational Education Learning, p1229 1236.https://eric.ed.gov/EJ1328039
- Ng, R. Y. K., Hong, C., Chu, C. H. C., & Towey, D. (2022). Editorial Issue 19: Digitalisation in TVET – New forms of learning for the future of work. TVET@Asia, Issue 19. ‘
- Odondi, W., Arisa, K., & Wangari, V. (2022). Digital literacy capabilities of TVET institutions for the future of work. Africa Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, 7(1), 43–52.
- OECD, (2021). Teachers and Leaders in Vocational Education and Training Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD), (2018). The Future of Education and Skills Education 2030 – 2040. https://www.oecd.org.
- Pandya, S., (2010). Labor Market and the Demand for Foreign Direct Investment. International Organization, 64, 389-409. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0020818310000160
- Pilz, M., (2012). Vocational Education and Training in Times of Economic Crisis.https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-47856-2
- Republic Act no. 10647, (2014). An Act Strengthening the Ladderized Interface Between Technical-Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2014
- Robinson, K. (2011). Out of Our Minds. Revised Edition. Education in the 21st Century – Think Strategic for Schools. https://thinkstrategicforschools.com.
- Shiohira, K., Matlala, R., Molokwane, P., (2021). TVET Delivery: Providing Innovative Solutions. New Qualifications and Competencies for Future-Oriented TVET, Volume 3 https://eric.ed.gov/ED619363
- UNESCO-UNEVOC. (2022). Digital competence & transversal skills for TVET students. (TVETipedia brief, includes discussion of technology literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation.)
- UNEVOC. (2023). [As referenced in your narrative as 2023 – assumed continuation or updated brief] (Please assure publication year corresponds to actual document; otherwise cite as 2022 or as "n.d.") This reflects ongoing emphasis on digital and employability skills.
- Varma, C., Malik, S. (2023). TVET in the 21st Century: A Focus on Innovative Teaching and Competency Indicators. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374997200
- Wagner, T., (2010). The Global Achievement Gap. https://mylearningspringboard.com/7 survival-skills-for-21st-century-students.
- Wheelahan, L.M., (2012). Why Knowledge Matters in Curriculum: A Social Realist Argument. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203860236
The Special Program for Technical Vocational Education (SPTVE) plays a significant role in equipping students
with 21st-century technical skills that align with industry demands. This study examined the level of development of
industry-required skills integrated into the SPTVE curriculum and explored strategies to strengthen its implementation.
Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered from students and teachers through surveys, interviews, and
thematic/content analysis of the SPTVE curriculum. Findings indicate that while computer literacy, research projects, and
hands-on activities are well-integrated into the curriculum, areas such as industry collaboration, innovation, and
entrepreneurial development require further enhancement. The study highlights the need for stronger industry linkages,
enhanced teacher training, improved facilities, and expanded work immersion opportunities to ensure that students
graduate with competitive technical skills. Based on the results, a strategic plan is proposed to align the SPTVE curriculum
with industry requirements, focusing on curriculum enhancement, industry partnerships, faculty upskilling, and
competency-based learning. The study concludes that a strengthened SPTVE program will not only improve student
employability but also contribute to economic growth and workforce development. Moreover, the study underscores the
importance of nurturing soft skills alongside technical competencies. Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving,
adaptability, and collaboration emerged as essential attributes that are moderately developed among learners but often
overlooked in curriculum delivery. Integrating these 21st-century skills in classroom activities, performance tasks, and
assessment frameworks is crucial to producing well-rounded graduates who are not only technically capable but also
equipped to thrive in complex, real-world environments. By fostering both hard and soft skills within the SPTVE framework,
schools can better prepare learners for diverse career pathways and lifelong learning.
Keywords :
Special Program for Technical Vocational Education, 21st-Century Skills, Industry Collaboration, Curriculum Development, Workforce Readiness.