Preparing students for a global workforce: Artificial intelligence literacy, employability readiness, and learning experiences in technical higher education

Al-fahad Esmail Jadjuli; Rosema G. Lukman; Kaizer J. Asibih; Vincent L. Godinez; Jocelyn J. Muńez; Armando L. Maruji; Joe-An G. Cuaresma

doi:10.32674/0yhz2m52

Authors

Al-fahad E. Jadjuli Mindanao State University—Sulu https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1306-0821
Rosema G. Lukman Mindanao State University-Sulu
Kaizer J. Asibih Mindanao State University-Sulu
Vincent L. Godinez Mindanao State University-Sulu
Jocelyn J. Muńez Mindanao State University-Sulu
Armando L. Maruji Mindanao State University-Sulu
Joe-An G. Cuaresma Commission on Higher Education IX

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/0yhz2m52

Keywords:

artificial intelligence literacy, employability readiness, technical higher education, work-based learning, workforce preparation, learning experiences, sequential explanatory mixed methods

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and employability readiness among technical higher education students and explored how learning experiences shape this relationship. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected from 336 students through validated surveys and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression. Qualitative data from interviews with 15 students, six faculty members, and six administrators were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated high levels of AI literacy and employability readiness; however, AI literacy was not significantly associated with employability readiness and did not predict workforce preparedness. Qualitative results showed that employability readiness was primarily developed through internships, projects, teamwork, communication activities, and technical training, while AI supported learning efficiency and engagement. The study suggests that AI literacy contributes to workforce preparation when integrated with experiential learning and broader professional skill development.

Author Biographies

Al-fahad E. Jadjuli , Mindanao State University—Sulu

Al-fahad Esmail Jadjuli, MAEd, CRS, is a faculty member in Teacher Education at Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades and currently serves as the Director for Planning, Research, and Development. He earned his Master of Arts in Education, major in School Administration, from Mindanao State University–Sulu and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Management. His academic and professional interests include educational management, school administration, teacher education, research development, English for Specific Purposes, and technical-vocational education. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Research on Multidisciplinary Studies and has published scholarly works in Educational Management, English for Specific Purposes, and School Administration. He may be contacted at fahadliafourteentwentytwo1422@gmail.com, and his ORCID profile is https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1306-0821.
Rosema G. Lukman , Mindanao State University-Sulu

Rosema G. Lukman, MPA, is a prominent educational administrator. She currently serves as the Vocational School Superintendent II and head of Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades (HBSAT) in Jolo, Sulu. She has actively led initiatives in strategic planning, infrastructure and resource management, and institutional coordination. She is also an SDC I, II, and III completer, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and leadership development in education. She may be contacted @ lukmanrosema74@gmail.com. ORCID no: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2945-9250.
Kaizer J. Asibih, Mindanao State University-Sulu

Kaizer J. Asibih, MAEd, is an educator and school administrator who currently serves as the Acting Junior High School Head at Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades (HBSAT) in Jolo, Sulu. He holds a Master of Arts in Education and has been actively involved in school leadership, student development, and institutional activities. He has also supported major school programs, including the HBSAT-SHS Minilympics 2026, and has participated in regional education-related initiatives in BARMM. His professional work reflects a strong commitment to educational leadership, school management, and learner-centered development. He can be contacted at kaizerasibih143@gmail.com. ORCID no: 0009-0006-5921-2951.
Vincent L. Godinez, Mindanao State University-Sulu

Vincent L. Godinez, currently serves as the TVI Coordinator of Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades. He holds the position of Teacher I (TM I) and is also a published author. He is committed to advancing technical-vocational instruction and supporting educational development through both practice and research. He can be contacted at vincegodinez167@gmail.com. ORCID no: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4827-283X
Jocelyn J. Muńez, Mindanao State University-Sulu

Jocelyn J. Muñez, LPT, is an educator in the Philippines and currently serves as the Senior High School Coordinator at Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades (HBSAT). She plays an active leadership role in coordinating senior high school programs and activities and has been recognized for her contribution to school-based initiatives. Her professional work reflects her commitment to educational leadership, student development, and the continuous improvement of school programs. She may be contacted at jmunez56@gmail.com. Orcid no: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8713-7092.
Armando L. Maruji, Mindanao State University-Sulu

Armando L. Maruji is a Philippine educator and academic administrator who currently serves as the Dean of the College of Teacher Education at Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades in Jolo, Sulu. He has extensive experience in higher education leadership and institutional administration. His professional work focuses on strengthening teacher education programs, academic governance, and strategic institutional development. He can be contacted at alm78maruji@gmail.com. ORCID no: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3150-3471.
Joe-An G. Cuaresma, Commission on Higher Education IX

Joe-An G. Cuaresma, Ed. D is an education specialist, consultant, and educator with extensive expertise in Physics, Mathematics, and Educational Management. She currently serves as an Education Supervisor II for the Teacher Education Program at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office IX in the Philippines. She earned her Doctor of Education major in Educational Management from Southern Mindanao College and her Master of Arts in Teaching College Physics (MATCP) from the University of Immaculate Conception, Davao City, as a CHED-FAFE scholar. She is also a KOICA scholar, a Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC) scholar completer, and a recipient of the Honoris Causa Doctor of Humanities from the Global Ministry and Discipleship Institute in Uganda, Africa. In addition, she serves as Vice President for Mindanao of Leadership Education in Academy and Development Global (LEAD Global), Board Director of the Academy Development for Global Leadership in Education-Philippines (ADGLE), member of the Southeast Asian Institute of Educational Training, Inc. (SEAIETE), and Consultant-Adviser of the Council of Deans for Teacher Education Region IX (CODTE9). She has published papers in Stratworks Research, Inc., and in the International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies. She has served as a local editor and consultant for journals such as Science Asia Review, UZ Graduate Studies, Philippine Journal of Basic Research, and International Social Science Review. Her contributions to education and public service have earned her recognition as an Outstanding Education Supervisor and Peace Education Advocate. She may be contacted at Joeangcuaresma@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-3642-1926.

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