Semiotics of Vocational Education: Analyzing Symbols and Cultural Narratives in Philippine Technical and Vocational Training

This study will therefore examine the semiotic analysis of symbols in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within the Philippine context focusing on how the visual signs could influence perceptions of vocational education through cultural meanings attached to them. A qualitative design is adopted with a study looking at various kinds of TVET symbols such as logos, billboards, and advertisement materials of all institutions in the Philippines. Applying a semiotic framework will help the study identify how such visual elements-the use of typography, colors, and imagery-actually reflect and strengthen societal views regarding vocational professions. The findings also show that while technical fields carry professional, modern symbols, manual trades are represented using simpler, utilitarian visuals. The study highlights cultural importance, since symbols for TVET convey not only a trade but also its identity in terms of nationality and the socioeconomic status. Discussion of the role of visual literacy in influencing learner engagement leads to suggestions that enhanced visual literacy within the TVET curricula improves outcomes. It will contribute to a better understanding of the semiotic dimensions of vocational education and to recommendations that result in more inclusive, culturally responsive symbol designs.