ENHANCING WORK IMMERSION AND LEARNING EXPOSURE PROGRAM: A RESEARCH-BASED PLAN FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY

บทคัดย่อ

This study examined the needs, gaps, and opportunities for improving of the Work Immersion and Learning Exposure Program of Holy Angel University (HAU) Senior High School and proposed a research-based enhancement plan. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed using purposive sampling to select information-rich participants who were directly involved in the program. Participants included 20 Grade 12 students from the ABM, STEM, HUMSS, and TVL strands who had completed the work immersion, five faculty supervisors, one program coordinator, and ten industry supervisors selected based on their supervisory and implementation roles. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, open-ended student questionnaires, reflection logs, and institutional document analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework.

Findings revealed nine interrelated themes organized around three objectives: (1) program gaps and challenges, including limited hands-on activities, restricted real-world exposure, and financial barriers; (2) student needs and priorities, such as structured industry mentorship, skills training, employment process simulations, and teamwork development; and (3) enhancement strategies, including job shadowing and strand-aligned work immersion opportunities. These findings informed the development of both short-term and long-term interventions aimed at strengthening industry–academe partnerships, institutionalizing mentorship, enhancing career readiness, and ensuring program sustainability. The study concludes that qualitative, stakeholder-driven evidence is essential for aligning senior high school work immersion programs with employability and workforce readiness outcomes.