A Tracer Study on the Employability of Information Technology Graduates of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Tagudin Campus

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the employability of the Information Technology graduates of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College - Tagudin Campus in the Philippines.  A survey questionnaire was administered to the graduates from the year 2012 to 2016 (n = 152).  In general, about 53 percent of those who participated in the survey were employed while the rest were employed but stopped (26 percent) and never employed (21 percent). Although most of the graduates were employed, many of them are in jobs that are not related to their course.  The main reasons identified for those who stopped from their work include end-of-contract, starting pay is too low, and plans to seek jobs abroad.  The graduates' employment barriers include lack of work experience, professional eligibility, and intent to seek employment abroad.  More than 50 percent recommended that the computer facilities used by the IT students should be upgraded to improve the employability of the IT graduates.