Purpose: To examine the perspective of third-level university students in the context of the value proposition of c
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Purpose: To examine the perspective of third-level university students in the context of the value proposition of construction apprenticeships in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach: The research uses a qualitative method, conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 third-level university students enrolled on a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree program in Construction Management in Ireland. Findings: The results highlight six themes. These include that society appears to be directly and/or indirectly steering students towards university. This is driven by what appears to be a prevailing stigma in that apprenticeships are not seen as an achievement by society. Also, apprenticeships are seen as a limited career choice, while also being one which appears to repel female entrants.
Practical implications: If the shortage of new skilled workers entering the construction industry continues, construction organisations will not have the necessary resources to tender for, and subsequently, complete new work. Social implications: The perception of what could have been seen as potential new apprenticeship entrants, but ultimately chose university, is worth examining further with a view to industry addressing the shortcomings identified. This therefore can provide an opportunity to stem the tide of reducing apprenticeship numbers, while also providing a viable alternative to university for those who wish to pursue alternative routes of entering the sector. Originality/value: The paper uniquely focuses on the third-level university student's perspectives and what influenced their decision to pursue third-level university education over that of an apprenticeship within the built environment; an area which has yet to be investigated.
Published abstract.
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Authors:
Ryan, Cathal; Faherty, Darragh; Spillane, John P.; Bradley, Jim G. ... [+] Show more
Ryan, Cathal;
Faherty, Darragh;
Spillane, John P.;
Bradley, Jim G.;
Issa, Mohamed;
McMahon, Elma [-] Show less
Date: 2023
Geographic subjects:
Ireland; Europe
Resource type: Article
Journal title: Higher education, skills and work-based learning
Subjects:
Higher education; Students; Culture and society ... [+] Show more
Higher education;
Students;
Culture and society;
Apprenticeship;
Industry;
Gender [-] Show less