Speaking Competence of Senior High School Graduates towards the Development and Evaluation of Job Readiness Training Program for BPO Industry

*Allan B. Salanguste
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*Allan B. Salanguste: Far Eastern University – Institute of Technology

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 4032-4043

Abstract: The English proficiency of Senior High School (SHS) graduates has been a topic of concern, due to its importance in the job market. While local studies show that many SHS graduates have a high level of English proficiency, it remains unclear if this level meets industry standards for employability. In contrast, international assessments by organizations like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the Education First (EF), and the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry suggest a decline in English proficiency among graduates. Dealing with the issue of English proficiency is a matter of national importance that requires further examination to determine if the speaking abilities of Filipino graduates, particularly SHS graduates, meet industry standards for employability. This study aimed at assessing the speaking competence of SHS graduates, pinpointing areas where they struggle in speaking English, and identifying opportunities and resources they believe can enhance their speaking skills. Based on the findings, a language training program was developed to help prepare SHS graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their speaking abilities and compete effectively in the BPO industry. Quantitative research method was utilized due to its speed, accuracy, and accessibility. Respondents participated in the modified online speaking test, where its results were treated using weighted mean, standard deviation, and ranking method. The study on SHS graduates’ speaking proficiency revealed a general average of 2.02, indicating ‘Basic Proficiency,’ which falls short of the expected competency levels set by BPO companies at 3.00 for ‘Moderate Proficiency’ or 5.00 for ‘Expert Proficiency.’ The findings also showed that collectively, the respondents lacked the speaking skills to be deemed prepared for employment in the BPO as indicated by their performance in the speaking test and the established benchmark set by the BPO companies.

Date: 2025
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