An exploration into the career decision making experiences of adults in apprenticeships

The overall aim of this research was to explore the career decision making experiences of adults in apprenticeships. The study focuses on the experience and perceptions of both male and female apprentices participating in an electrical apprenticeship programme. It looks at the factors which influenced the adults in their choice of pursuing an apprenticeship, their experience of guidance counselling support while in second level education and post leaving secondary education; and their experience of participating in what is traditionally considered a male dominated apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeship recruitment faces several challenges, one of which is promoting the apprenticeship route as an equally valid opportunity to third level options. Another challenge lies in attracting more females into the apprenticeship programmes, particularly those previously considered to be male dominated trades. This study employed an interpretive paradigm approach using semi-structured interviews with six mixed gender participants, each at various stages of apprenticeship training. A thematic analysis approach was used to interpret the data from the findings (Braun and Clarke, 2013). The overall findings indicate the importance of a whole school approach to guidance counselling along with the importance of early interventions to prevent early school leavers from falling through the cracks. Evident also was the need for apprenticeships to be made more visible as career pathways on completion of the leaving certificate. The findings from this study highlighted various experiences of information provision in terms of apprenticeship programmes and their value. The findings also indicated the overall experience of both male and female participants and gender considerations when applying for the apprenticeship, in training centres and while on the job. Gender did not present as an inhibiting factor from the participants perspectives in this study. In general participants perceptions of apprenticeships were positive and participants outline practical considerations for individuals considering the apprenticeship route. Finally, several recommendations are put forward to inform policy, practice and research in the future.