< backFrom Potential to Achievement: enhancing students’ value to employers.

 case_study_ljmu.pdf

This case study set out to examine and develop core requirements in relation to the employability agenda within a BA (Hons) Sport Development with Physical Education programme at Liverpool John Moores University. This was achieved through examining employability perceptions of employers, students and Work-Based Learning (WBL) partners. The focus for the intervention was on Level 2 & 3 undergraduate students, approximately 80 in each year, with the intention of supporting progression and development of students through these two levels on the road to becoming employable graduates. Student feedback on employability and WBL were gathered both before and after placement at Level 2 to explore their views about employability issues, their understanding of employability and to gain insight into the substance of their subsequent experiences. From the resulting data for academic year 2005/06, the student induction processes for WBL at both Levels 2 and 3 was amended and enhanced in relation to the findings. Student focus groups and data from an employer questionnaire also informed decision making. Evaluation activities identified 89% of students expressing a view that WBL is important. Additionally the development of knowledge, skills and experience with regard to student employability, were seen as very important or important by students in relation to the expectations of potential employers. The focus groups highlighted the view that WBL had enhanced students experience, skills and knowledge in relation to potential employability. Moreover post WBL, the students believed that their degree positively impacted upon their employability. The data revealed that 69% felt it was enabling them to develop their employability skills, 70% that it was developing their knowledge and 69% believed the degree was enabling them to develop relevant experience. Work was also undertaken with employers with the establishment and continued development of a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Management Group proving an immensely positive outcome of the case study.

Ian Beattie, Sarah Nixon and Cath Walker.
Liverpool John Moores University.