Welcome
Fit for the workplace - collaborative approaches to enhancing graduate
employability in Sport
Housekeeping
@SEEC_USW#SEEC
Schedule
10.00 Overview of the day / introduction10.30 Graduate employability – dissemination of research findings
(Dr Hannah Mawson)
11.15 Coffee11.30 Embedding employability within the curriculum – USW Case Study
(Rob Griffiths, Paul Rainer and Jonathan Evans)
12.30 Lunch / Networking13:15 Employers Exhibition/ Student poster presentations14.00 Employer Forum – Question Time15.00 Event close
Time Session Details
9:00am Arrival, registration (Conference Centre, Treforest Campus)
9:30am Welcome session & Keynote (All conference attendees)
10:00am Session 1* Session 2* Session 3* Session 4*Schools / Education ‘Getting the Job’ ‘Making the most
of your Job’Sporting Pathways
Routes into sports careers
HEA Seminar – ‘Fit for the workplace - collaborative approaches to enhancing graduate employability in Sport’
10:30am Schools / Education ‘Getting the Job’ ‘Making the most of your Job’
Sporting Pathways
Routes into sports careers
11:00am Schools / Education ‘Getting the Job’ ‘Making the most of your Job’
Sporting Pathways
Routes into sports careers
11:30am Details of Employability Fair (All Students)(Application process etc.)Placement/module updates
Employers Forum
12:00pm Lunch (Recreation Centre, Treforest Campus)1:00pm
Employers Fair 3rd Year Student Poster Presentations
3:00pm Close
About USW
• 33,000 students (65% Welsh)• Equal numbers under 21 as over 30
The university will 1. support students to achieve their professional and career
aspirations by embedding employability in the curriculum and maximising their chances of finding employment
2. be among the leading UK institutions for the proportion of graduates in employment or further study
3. embed and foster a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship across the institution and provide facilities to support student start-ups
Undergraduate Sport Courses @USW
School of Health, Sport and Professional PracticeMerger of universities & fusion of faculties
Generic Sport Specialist
BA Sports Development FD Rugby Coaching & Development
BA Sport Management BSc Rugby Coaching & Performance
BSc Sports Studies FD Football Coaching & Development
BSc Sport & Exercise Science BSc Football Coaching & Performance
BSc Sports Coaching FD Community Football Coaching & Development in partnership with Football League Trust
The Employability Journey
• Strategic priority from 2005
Pre-requisites of working within sports development sector (SkillsActive, 2005)
1. Industry experience (paid or voluntary)2. People skills3. Coaching qualifications
• Students not prepared for industry• Sandwich year placements limited • Voluntary opportunities not taken up• Embedded within modules• Placements linked to assessments
Current Position
• Core focus on ‘employability’ across all Sports Degree programmes • Currently have partnerships with nearly 50 sports organisations and
employers across South Wales• Work-Based Learning is embedded into all sports degree programmes
at Level 5 and 6 (years 2 & 3)• 6000 community coaching and leadership volunteer hours provided
during 2013/14• Additional opportunities to gain experience on the sports industry
through volunteering, paid work and internships.• 92% of sport students are in employment or are undertaking further
study within 6 months of graduation (Graduate Destination Survey 2012)
Partnerships
Key Challenges Faced
• Health & Safety• Student Numbers • Maintaining partnerships• Internal communication• Quality Assurance
• Mentoring• Reflection• Empowerment• Ownership
Desired Outcomes
• Highly qualified workforce
• Highly knowledgeable workforce
• Sustainability of the programmes
© University of South Wales
Researching Graduate Employability
Dr Hannah MawsonLecturer & Employability Coordinator for Sport
What has previous research shown?
USW Graduate Employability research findings(with interactive activity!)
Considerations for further enhancing employability of students
© University of South Wales
Researching Graduate Employability
What does ‘Employability’ mean?
‘Employability is a set of achievements, skills, understandings and personal attributes that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce, the community and the economy.’
Yorke (2004)
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
Increasing priority for HEI’s to embed employability into degree courses
Despite progress in HEI’s responding to employers’ needs, the literature suggests that there is a lack of clarity and consistency in how best to promote graduate employability
Lees (2002) suggest there is little common understanding of student employability between employers and HEI’s, as employers tend to view generic skills as more important than the academic content (and academics vice versa)
Still a contemporary issue according to Cranmer (2006) and Lowden et al. (2011)
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
Research suggests that employability of students should be embedded into the curriculum within HEIs (e.g. Knight and York, 2002).
Approaches to employability skill development should therefore include the development of employability attributes; support in career and job-related decisions; the opportunity for placements and internships and personal development planning.
There are a number of case studies from HEIs who are experiencing some success from their approaches to employability – tends to be descriptive/anecdotal in nature.
More evaluative evidence of the impact of such approaches on graduate employability is lacking (Lowden et al., 2011).
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
Previous Research
University of Glasgow SCRE Centre & Edge Foundation (Lowden et al., 2011)
Aims of research – To examine the perceptions of employers concerning the skills, knowledge and characteristics which help make graduates employable.
Examine approaches to student employability within HEIs
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
Previous ResearchKey findings –
There is a broad understanding of what is meant by the term ‘employability’ and the general skills and characteristics that constitute employability.
Employers identify that students/graduates require industry specific knowledge, but broader skills such as communication, team-working, leadership, critical thinking are essential.
Overwhelming evidence that employers, graduates, students and HEI’s all value work-based learning opportunities such as placements and internships in improving and promoting employability
However, efforts to address graduate employability in HEI’s is extremely variable (and in some cases unknown)
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
Current Research
University of Gloucestershire –
‘Employability of Graduates of Sport’ project working with HEIs across Europe to create a ‘toolkit’ for enhancing student employability and share good practice.
www.egsproject.eu
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
USW Sport Research
Keen to evaluate current approach to employability and gain views and perceptions of employers, with regards to the employability of our students.
Given the lack of evaluative research – need for evidence
© University of South Wales
Research into Graduate Employability in Sport
Two components of initial research:
Surveys • Completed by 45 employers working in the sport industry in Wales• All employers attending last year’s USW Sport & Events Employability
Conference • Employers advertising opportunities for student placements therefore
supportive of the programme at USW
Employer Forum focus groups• 32 Employers attended a forum at last year’s conference• Interactive group discussion on expectations of the employer;
University and student for work-based learning placements
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research
Employers/survey respondents:
64% Male 36% Female
Majority were aged between 20 – 34 years (71%)
Attending the conference on behalf of their organisation to advertise a sport related placement to students.
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research - Employers
Sector of sport industry represented:
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research - Employers
NGB
Leisu
re
Community clu
b
LA Sport
LA other
University
Not for p
rofit s
port
School
LA O
AA
Other 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
So – what were the employers’ perceptions of our students and how suitable they are to work in the industry?
Now for some audience participation!
To start with – some initial test questions….
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research
© University of South Wales
Test Q 1.How did you travel here today?
1. Car2. Train3. Bus4. Cycle5. Walk6. Other
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Test Q 2.Are you in the right workshop?
1. Yes2. No 3. Don’t know
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Test Q 3.Rob is an Everton fan. Which
of the following is most likely?
1. Rob will want Everton to beat Man City
2. Rob will secretly want Man C to beat Everton (so Liverpool are less likely to win premiership)
3. Rob won’t be watching the game
On the survey, we asked employers from the sports sector a number of questions related to the appropriateness of skills of current students; why they are providing placement opportunities; and what placements should provide.
The next few slides you will be asked the same question and you can provide your own response, so we can compare to the actual findings
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Back to the Employer research!
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Q1. Why do you take a student on placement?Select 3 options
1. Nurture future employees 2. Develop someone 3. Create links with USW 4. Projects need doing5. Free resource 6. Fill gaps in workforce 7. Find talent 8. Need volunteers 9. Organisational Dev
© University of South Wales
Nurture fu
ture employees
Develop someone
Create better links w
ith USW
Projects
need doing
Free reso
urce
Fill gaps in
workforce
Find talent
Need volunteers
Organisational d
evelopment 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Q1. Why do you take a student on placement?
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Q2. What should a placement provide to students?Select 3 options
1. Subject knowledge 2. Planning & Evaluation 3. Industry learning 4. Communication skills 5. Application of theory 6. Skills & expertise for role7. Experience real life work 8. Networking9. Employment10. Exposure to the real world
© University of South Wales
Q2. What should a placement provide to students?
Subjec
t knowled
ge
Planning &
Evalu
ation
Industry l
earning
Communication sk
ills
Applicati
on of theo
ry
Skills
& ex
pertise
for role
Experi
ence
real
life w
ork
Networki
ng
Employm
ent
Exposu
re to re
al world
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
© University of South Wales
Q3. What skills do you think are lacking in current students?Select 3 options
1. Subject knowledge / expertise 2. Previous work experience 3. Planning & evaluation skills4. Self-direction / initiative 5. Application / Interview 6. Communication skills 7. Confidence / Attitude 8. Admin skills9. Team working10. Maturity/professionalism
© University of South Wales
Q3. What skills do you think are lacking in current students?
Subject knowledge / e
xperti
se
Previous work exp
erience
Planning & evaluation sk
ills
Self-dire
ction / i
nitiative
Application / I
nterview
Communication sk
ills
Confidence / A
ttitude
Admin skills
Team working
Maturity / p
rofessi
onalism0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Q4. Is a relevant degree sufficient to make graduates employable?
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly
Disagree
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Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Q4. Is a relevant degree sufficient to make graduates employable?
Q5. Should sports graduates undertake a placement as part of
their degree?
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
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Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
Q5. Should sports graduates undertake a placement as part of
their degree?
Q5. Sports Graduates possess enough work-experience to gain entry level jobs
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
© University of South Wales
Q5. Sports Graduates possess enough work-experience to gain
entry level jobs
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Q6. Sports graduates have the right ‘soft’ skills (e.g. communication) to
make them employable
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
© University of South Wales
Q6. Sports graduates have the right ‘soft’ skills (e.g. communication) to
make them employable
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Q7. Universities should provide students with other skills (e.g. customer service)
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
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Q7. Universities should provide students with other skills (e.g.
customer service)
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Q8. Students possess enough subject knowledge to be
employable in my organisation
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
© University of South Wales
Q8. Students possess enough subject knowledge to be
employable in my organisation
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Q9. The purpose of a placement is to provide students with industry-
specific knowledge
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
© University of South Wales
Q9. The purpose of a placement is to provide students with industry-
specific knowledge
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Q10. Students who have undertaken a placement as part of their degree
are more employable
1. Strongly Agree2. Agree3. Neutral4. Disagree5. Strongly Disagree
© University of South Wales
Q10. Students who have undertaken a placement as part of their degree are more employable
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
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Employer Forum focus groups
Discussion groups were held with employers at last year’s forum to gain views and perspectives on a number of WBL related areas.
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What training/support could USW provide you as employers to get the
most from WBL?
Coaching/mentoring qualification
An understanding of course modules that
link to student assignments
Knowledge and understanding of the course and module
being completed by the students
What do the students need to
achieve?
Peer mentoring skills and
qualifications
Training in support mechanisms i.e. mentoring etc.
Training for students on WBL e.g. coaching qualifications, work
basics (telephone skills etc.)
Regular reviews with placements -
feedback
Opportunity to discuss academic
content
Awareness of students curriculum
of studies
Course information and
expectations (module)
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research
Are there key times (dates) where you need WBL students the most?
End of school term in order to support
the input of data for submission to Sport
Wales
October – March term-time – helps with programme
delivery
Flexible and negotiable!
Flexible – Sports Development is not
9 – 5!
During school term – Time to develop and deliver 5x60
programme
Flexible – school terms & holidays
Summer placement Tennis season –
peak interest from public
Fixed timetable or day where students will be available so that a programme can be organised with current staff
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USW Sport Employability Research
What core skills are most important for WBL
students?
Communication – Internal & external
Reliable and passionate
Interest and ambition
Commitment
Motivation and self drive
Effective communication
Communication
Communications through a variety of
sources
Motivation
Communication and motivation
Adaptability and communication
Marketing skill & experience Initiative
Interest in the areaGood
communication skills
Work basic skills ie. Telephone manner
Time management
Financial / big picture awareness
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research
What is the value of this conference to you as employers?
Ideas from other employers in
terms of placement
projects
Great opportunity to find a new
valued employee
Networking with other employers
Opportunity to promote our organisation
Access to students with a view to it
being an informal interview
To identify potential
workforce / employees
Learn about how a student values a
placement
To find out how we can improve placements for future students
Considerations moving forward….
- Whose role is it help students develop certain employability skills?
- Are there some skills that neither HE or employer can teach?- Maintaining and enhancing quality assurance as employability
programme grows- Continuing to bridge the gap between academic degree and
gaining employment in an increasingly competitive market – common understanding of ‘student employability’
- University’s role in clarifying expectations of working in the industry
- Selective about which employers – maintaining high standards- Supporting those students who want to develop- Further research to be undertaken
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research
Any questions / comments?
© University of South Wales
USW Sport Employability Research