Practices and Initiatives in the Implementation of Work Immersion Program in Private Senior High Schools in Batangas Province

This study examined the practices and initiatives in implementing the Work Immersion Program (WIP) in private Senior High Schools in Batangas Province and used the findings as the basis for a sustainable management program. A descriptive mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were gathered through a researcher-developed questionnaire from 352 students, 29 school heads, and 29 immersion focal persons from 29 participating private schools; qualitative data were generated through a focus group discussion with six directly involved program implementers. The instrument was expert-validated and demonstrated strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from .867 to .918 across the three immersion phases and .959 overall. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, independent-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used for quantitative analysis, while focus-group responses were subjected to thematic analysis. The schools predominantly offered the ABM strand, used the 80-hour Model A delivery, maintained fewer than three partner industries, partnered mainly with local government units and private establishments, and were commonly located in rural town-proper areas. Pre-immersion, immersion proper, and post-immersion practices were implemented to a great extent. Assessments of the three respondent groups differed significantly across all phases, while most school-profile variables did not produce significant differences; exceptions involved the number of students per track during immersion proper and the number of partner industries during pre-immersion. Qualitative findings highlighted partnership strengthening, monitoring and learning support, as well as logistical, safety, behavioral, and financial challenges. These findings informed LINK, a holistic and sustainable Work Immersion Management Program designed to strengthen support, career guidance, resilience, industry linkages, and skills development.