Author

Vanessa Dominique C. Acoba*
Saint Ferdinand College, City of Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving labor market, educational institutions are expected to equip learners not only with technical competencies but also with essential soft skills necessary for workplace success. However, despite the implementation of the Work Immersion Program in Senior High School, inconsistencies in learners’ communication, dependability, and workplace readiness remain evident, highlighting the need to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. This study examined the effect of the Work Immersion Program on the soft skills development of 401 Grade 12 learners from Benito Soliven National High School and Andabuen National High School during School Year 2025–2026. Using a descriptive research design with inferential components, the study assessed communication, teamwork, proactivity, professionalism, and dependability skills through non-parametric statistical analysis. Findings revealed that the program obtained an overall grand mean of 3.27, interpreted as High Effect. Professionalism Skills recorded the highest mean (M = 3.38), while Dependability Skills registered the lowest (M = 3.13). Significant differences were found across the five soft skill domains (p < 0.001) and according to sex, strand, and workplace immersion venue. The study proposed the HUSAY Program as an intervention to strengthen identified competency gaps.

Keywords: Work immersion, soft skills, professionalism, dependability, workplace readiness.

*Corresponding author / Email: vdcolladoacoba@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021152

Recommended citation:
Acoba, V. D. C. (2026). Work Immersion and Soft Skills Development among Grade 12 Learners in Benito Soliven, Isabela. Pantao (International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 4311-4321. https://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021152

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