Level of Competency and National Certification II Readiness of Grade 12 Automotive Students at Pinukpuk Vocational School
Johnny A. Bacuyag *
Apayao State College- Malama, Conner, Apayao- 3807, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the level of competency and readiness for National Certification II (NC II) among Grade 12 Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Automotive students of Pinukpuk Vocational School. Specifically, it sought to identify the students’ strengths and weaknesses in various automotive tasks, evaluate their level of readiness for certification, and examine the relationship between competency and readiness. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed to analyze students’ competencies and readiness levels. This study was conducted at Pinukpuk Vocational School, Brookside 1, Taga, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, during the academic year 2024–2025. Fifteen Grade 12 students enrolled in the TVL-Automotive strand participated in the study. A structured survey questionnaire, aligned with TESDA's assessment tools, was used to gather data on students’ demographic profiles, level of competency in automotive servicing, and readiness for NC II. Statistical tools including frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Results showed that most students (73.33%) were aged 17–18 and all identified as Linimos. The majority came from low-income households, with parents having low educational attainment and employment in farming or domestic work. The overall competency level was rated as “Satisfactory” (mean = 2.67), with strengths in basic mechanical tasks but weaknesses in electrical systems. Readiness for NC II was high, with an overall mean score of 3.86 (“Exceeds Expectation”), particularly in theoretical knowledge (4.05). The correlation between competency and readiness was not statistically significant (r = 0.013388), indicating no strong relationship between these variables. Despite socio-economic challenges, students displayed adequate competency and exceeded expectations in certification readiness. However, gaps in practical skill areas suggest a need for enhanced hands-on training. The absence of a significant correlation between competency and readiness implies that other factors such as confidence, academic instruction, and support systems may influence perceived readiness.
Keywords: Automotive students, level of competency and readiness, TVL, Pinukpuk vocational school