An investigation into the relevance of the work practice placement module on the career development of former ETB trainees

Although there has been much research into the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector in Ireland, its focus has been motivated by economics (McGuinness, 2014) and in its progression through its relationship with its many stakeholders (SOLAS, 2015). An area of neglect in this research has been the role played by work placement as part of the training experience, and in particular the voice of the learner her/himself in this process. This study is an empirical evaluation of participants’ direct experience of the work placement element of PLC programmes. Within this study there is a focus on a number of areas: the link between participation in work placement and securing employment, the impact of the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and the level of career guidance available in the pre-entry process for participants of these PLC programmes. The research methodology adopted a quantitative approach using an on-line survey (e-SurveysPro) in the form of a questionnaire which was disseminated to a random sample of past trainees from one Education and Training Board centre. The findings indicated that the inclusion of a work placement component on FET programmes plays an important role in preparing trainees for employment. The study concludes with policy recommendations to improve both the design and delivery of the work placement component of current PLC