Bridging Skill Gaps: A Competency-Based Evaluation of NCII Readiness in TVL Dressmaking Learners

This study evaluated learners' readiness for the National Certificate Level II (NC II) assessment in TVL Dressmaking at Don Andres Soriano National High School, focusing on competency gaps and misalignment between DepEd's curriculum and TESDA's assessment standards. Given the critical role of NC II certification in workforce readiness, it is essential to ensure that the learners acquire industry-aligned skills. Through competency-based evaluations involving Grade 11 and 12 learners and 6 dressmaking teachers, findings revealed that all 46 learners were rated under the 'Not Yet Competent' category, indicating a lack of mastery in the core competencies despite being competent in the basic and common competencies. While learners were found to overestimate their readiness, teachers provided a more conservative evaluation, reflecting gaps in technical proficiency, hands-on experience, and skill application, especially in the core competencies. Financial constraints further restrict learners' ability to purchase necessary materials, hindering their practice and skill refinement, while the extensive range of learning competencies not directly relevant to the NCII assessment makes skill mastery more challenging. To address these challenges, the study proposes a competency-based enhanced training guide that streamlines instruction, prioritizes NCII-required skills, and aligns teaching methods with TESDA's competency standards, and also strengthens the school's partnership with stakeholders and seeks support for the necessary materials during the training. The findings of this study support broader advancements in vocational education by helping schools evaluate learners' readiness and enhance their training approaches. By aligning instruction with the competencies assessed during the NCII certification, the study promotes higher pass rates and ensures that learners acquire the essential skills needed for employment and success in their chosen industries.