Exploring the Challenges of Work Immersion among Senior High School Learners

Work immersion programs are an important part of the Senior High School curriculum, giving students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. This hands-on approach helps students explore different career paths and develop key skills like communication, problem-solving, and professionalism, preparing them for future jobs. This study used a qualitative-descriptive research method to explore the challenges faced by Grade 12 Senior High School students at Narvacan National Central High School during their work immersion in S.Y. 2023-2024. The Colaizzi method was used to analyze their experiences and coping strategies. The results showed that the work immersion experiences of Senior High School students fostered skill development, personal growth, emotional fulfillment, and collaborative relationships, significantly contributing to their academic and professional preparation. To navigate the challenges of their work immersion, students employed coping strategies such as effective time management, organization, building confidence, adaptability, patience, and seeking guidance. Further, this recommends that schools should keep offering work immersion opportunities to help students develop skills, grow personally, and build relationships, while also encouraging them to improve coping strategies like time management, organization, and seeking guidance to handle challenges and prepare for their future careers and studies.