Employment Status of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Graduates at the University of Antique, Philippines

Abstract

Quality maritime graduates attract better employment opportunities. This descriptive survey study aimed at determining the employment status of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) graduates of the University of Antique from 2013 - 2016 as the basis for proposing an action plan. The descriptive survey research method was used in this study. A Commission on Higher Education (CHED) graduate tracer survey was adopted and modified to ensure appropriateness in the maritime setting. The computer-processed statistics used were weighted means, frequency counts, and rank for descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that, generally, the BSMarE graduates were dominated by males, 24 years and older, and who graduated in 2013. The majority of the graduates were employed in 2014 and 2016 as contractual workers. A large number of the graduates were enlisted with the help of the university's career and placement officer. Opportunity for career growth, salary, benefits, and the job-related course were their most predominant reasons in applying for the job, while flexible schedule, telecommunication arrangement, and proximity to their residence were the least principal reasons. The majority of the graduates are employed part-time, and most of their employers come from the private sector. Most of the graduates have been working in their current job for between 2 to 3 years. The majority of the graduates are employed in domestic shipping companies and earn between PhP 30,000 - 49,999. The proposed action plan aims to improve the employment rate of BSMarE graduates by enhancing shipboard familiarization, workshop skills training, and engine watchkeeping courses. Further, it improves maritime students' soft and life skills needed in a stressful and prison-like environment like a ship. It revisits the BSMarE curriculum and fully implements Outcome-Based Education in all professional courses. Finally, it provides an enrichment training workshop on teaching strategies and classroom management of maritime instructors.