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Career paths after Senior High School TVL strand
See which careers fit your traits — based on what Filipino SHS TVL graduates typically pursue.
What SHS TVL graduates typically do
Common career destinations for Filipino Senior High School TVL graduates, grouped by frequency in the DepEd K-12 Curriculum Guide track-to-pathway mapping.
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About SHS TVL (Technical-Vocational-Livelihood)
TVL is the technical-vocational SHS track that pairs the senior-high diploma with one or more TESDA National Certificates (NC II or NC III) in trades such as cookery, welding, electrical installation, computer hardware servicing, dressmaking, and animal production. It is organised into four specialisations: Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Information and Communications Technology, and Agri-Fishery Arts. Graduates leave SHS already employable in skilled trades, with the option to take POEA overseas placements or continue to a related BS program in college.
- Direct employment with the TESDA NC II/III earned during SHS
- Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) placement for skilled trades (welder, electrician, caregiver)
- College in a related field (BS Hospitality Management, BS Information Technology, BS Industrial Engineering)
Source: DepEd K-12 Curriculum Guide · K-12 Senior High School overseen by DepEd Philippines, started 2012.
Frequently asked questions about SHS TVL
What is special about the TVL track?
TVL — Technical-Vocational-Livelihood — pairs the SHS diploma with one or more TESDA National Certificates (NC II or NC III). That means graduates leave SHS already employable as electricians, welders, cooks, caregivers, IT-support technicians, and so on, without needing a four-year college degree.
What are the main TVL specialisations?
Home Economics (cookery, bread and pastry, dressmaking, beauty care), Industrial Arts (welding, electrical installation, plumbing, automotive servicing), Information Communications Technology (computer hardware servicing, programming, animation), and Agri-Fishery Arts (organic agriculture, aquaculture, animal production).
Can TVL graduates go to college?
Yes. TVL graduates can enrol in any college program. The natural fit is a related field — BS Hospitality Management for cookery TVL, BS Information Technology for ICT TVL, BS Industrial Engineering for industrial-arts TVL. Some bridging subjects may be required for STEM-aligned programs.
How does TVL compare with college for earnings?
Skilled-trade earnings can match or exceed those of fresh four-year graduates, especially abroad. Welders, electricians, and caregivers placed overseas through licensed POEA agencies often earn multiples of the domestic median. Domestically, top-tier college graduates in software or finance still earn more than skilled trades on average.
Is the TESDA NC II earned during SHS the same as standalone TESDA NC II?
Yes. The National Certificate is issued by TESDA based on the same competency assessment, regardless of whether the candidate trained inside SHS TVL or through a standalone TESDA center. The credential is recognised by employers and by POEA for overseas placement.