Challenges and opportunities of teachers and learners of shielded metal arc welding specialization in senior high school

The study determined the challenges and opportunities of teachers and learners in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) specialization in senior high school. It specifically examined the difficulties encountered by teachers in terms of technical skills and competency, learning resources, and learner engagement, as well as the challenges faced by learners in mastering technical skills, understanding theoretical concepts, safety and practical work experience, and access to tools and equipment. It also identified opportunities that can be maximized in SMAW instruction and proposed an instructional guide based on the findings. A descriptive research design was used in the study. The respondents were selected through purposive sampling for teachers and stratified random sampling for students to ensure relevant and representative data. A validated survey questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was utilized as the main data-gathering instrument. Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, and weighted mean to describe the level of challenges and opportunities in SMAW instruction and learning. The findings revealed that teachers experience the highest challenge in technical skills and competency, while learners encounter the greatest difficulty in access to tools and equipment. All identified areas were generally described as much challenging. The study also found that key opportunities include mensuration and calculation competency, alignment with TESDA standards, and mastery of welding skills, while digital learning resources remain underutilized. The study concluded that improving technical training, enhancing resources, and integrating practical and theoretical instruction can strengthen SMAW education and better prepare learners for employment.