An exploration of the career learning and development (CLD) pedagogies used in the work experience module to assist further education and training students with their future career decision making

The overall aim of this research project is to explore the pedagogies that are being used in the FET sector to deliver Career Learning and Development (CLD) through the Work Experience module. This project aims to critically review and analyse the existing literature related to the topic and explore the organisation and delivery of the module. This is done to gain an understanding of the methods and resources that are used to increase student’s personal development and prepare them for the world of work. Due to globalisation, economic recessions and the expansion and development in the ICT sector, the world of work is constantly changing and continues to do so at a rapid pace. These changes are demanding a more adaptable, resilient and intrinsically motivated employee (Bassot, 2012; Bimrose, 2006; Law, 2000; Savickas, 2009). The Further Education and Training (FET) sector which is managed by SOLAS, was established to improve the well-being of the community by providing the learner with the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills to find employment or to develop their personal and social skills (SOLAS, 2014; 2020). Through the utilisation of the interpretivist approach (Thomas, 2013), this research project carried out six semi-structured interviews with Work Experience module tutors working in the FET sector to explore the teaching pedagogies they use to deliver CLD to FET students. The findings show that it is not enough just to pass on career related information. CLD must be delivered by a more knowledgeable person to help the learner develop the skills and abilities needed to construct their own career knowledge when participating in activities and interacting with people. Reflection and discussion need to be part of this process to interpret these experiences and apply their learning to future career decision making (Bassot et al., 2014)