Graduate Training: Evidence from FUSION Projects in Ireland

Autor/inn/en	Hegarty, Cecilia; Johnston, Janet
Titel	Graduate Training: Evidence from FUSION Projects in Ireland
Quelle	In: Education & Training, 50 (2008) 5, S.391-405 (15 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0040-0912
DOI	10.1108/00400910810889075
Schlagwörter	Graduate Study; Graduates; Foreign Countries; Employment Opportunities; Work Ethic; Vocational Education; Small Businesses; Work Environment; Employment Potential; Career Development; Entrepreneurship; Ireland; United Kingdom + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Graduate; Absolvent; Absolventin; Hochschulabsolvent; Hochschulabsolventin; Ausland; Berufschance; Beschäftigungschance; Arbeitsethos; Ausbildung; Berufsbildung; Kleingewerbe; Arbeitsmilieu; Arbeitsmarktbezogene Qualifikation; Beschäftigungsfähigkeit; Berufsentwicklung; Unternehmungsgeist; Irland; Großbritannien
Abstract	Purpose: This paper aims to explore graduate training through SME-based project work. The views and behaviours of graduates are examined along with the perceptions of the SMEs and academic partner institutions charged with training graduates. Design/methodology/approach: The data are largely qualitative and derived from the experiences of graduates, company supervisors and University of Ulster staff involved in projects during 2001-2007 when 140 FUSION projects were undertaken across the island of Ireland. Findings: More job opportunities, changing job values and work ethic impact upon the uptake and success of FUSION projects. Employers, especially within growing SMEs, have adopted a learner-centred approach in order to maximise the benefits of the project for both the graduate and the company. Graduate development programmes continue to strengthen university-to-business links, which in turn ensures graduate output meets the needs of industry. Research limitations/implications: Data collected throughout the term of FUSION projects are reported; further analyses of stakeholder views post-project completion would provide further insight into the longer-term effects of graduate training upon career progression. Practical implications: This analysis proffers graduate reflections on "work-based learning". It serves key reminders for evaluating satisfaction with graduate development programmes presenting two key implications, pathways for better preparing graduates/SMEs and routes for enhancing the benefits of such projects. Originality/value: The paper focuses on research that seeks to enhance graduate training and placement experiences within SMEs. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10