Entrepreneurial Skills, Practical Skills, and Career Aspirations of BTVTEd Students

Abstract

In today’s dynamic and highly competitive global environment, academic knowledge alone is no longer sufficient to ensure employability and long-term career success, as students are expected to develop skills and abilities that will help them adapt to the changing demands of education, employment, and entrepreneurship. This study aimed to determine the entrepreneurial skills, practical skills, and career aspirations of the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) students. The study utilized a mixed-method research design. Seventy-two BTVTEd students participated in the quantitative phase, while eight selected students were interviewed for the qualitative part. A researcher-made questionnaire and interview guide questions were used in gathering the data. Mean and standard deviation were utilized in the analysis of the quantitative data to determine the level of entrepreneurial skills, practical skills, and career aspirations of the respondents. To examine the relationship among the variables, Spearman Rho Correlation was employed. For the qualitative data, the interview responses were transcribed, organized, and interpreted to support and validate the quantitative findings. The findings revealed that the respondents demonstrated very high entrepreneurial skills, practical skills, and career aspirations. Significant relationships were found among the variables. Furthermore, the interview findings revealed that classroom instruction, practical activities, laboratory experiences, and hands-on learning opportunities helped the students improve their skills, confidence, and career preparation. Additionally, the participants expressed that the BTVTEd program provided them with various career opportunities not only in teaching but also in entrepreneurship and other skill-related professions. The BTVTEd program contributes significantly to the students’ professional growth, employability, and future career development.