Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322178 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
PIDS Discussion Paper Series No. 2025-08
Publisher: 
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Quezon City
Abstract: 
Human capital theory suggests that accumulating skills through training leads to higher productivity and better employment outcomes. However, empirical evidence, including in the Philippines, shows mixed and limited results on the impact of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Using labor force and graduate tracer surveys, this study examined whether pursuing TVET improves labor force participation (LFP), employment, and job quality, considering variations across education levels and program characteristics, by applying probabilistic regression and treatment effects estimations. Additionally, interviews with employers from priority sectors were conducted to gain insights into their views on TVET graduates' employability. The study found that completing a TVET program increases the likelihood of being economically active and seeking work, but there was no strong evidence that it improves the chances of obtaining employment or quality jobs. The employment effects of TVET vary by education level, benefiting only those with at least secondary education. These effects were strongest among secondary education graduates, which decreased with higher levels of education. TVET did not improve the employment outcomes of those with less than secondary education. Additionally, employment outcomes varied across training modalities, but not by program registration, certification, or scholarship status. Based on key informant interviews (KIIs) and a desk review, these findings can be attributed to supply-side, demand-side, and systemic factors, such as a mismatch of program offerings with industry standards, potential bias against TVET graduates, lack of recognition of certifications, and limited private sector involvement in training provision, development, certification, and assessment. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations to improve TVET's impact on employability and employment outcomes, along with suggestions for further research.
Subjects: 
TVET
labor force participation
employment
employment quality
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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