Widening participation in work-based learning at Worcester Business School

Worcester Business School has recruited an NUS Green Impact student to help widen participation in its work-based learning opportunities. Preliminary analysis of undergraduate data suggests that while BAME and disabled students may participate in work-based learning at similar rates to other students, many students still do not make use of those opportunities and students from the most advantaged postcodes are over-represented.

Our green impact student surveyed final year WBS undergraduates to find out why they had / had not participated and what might have encouraged them. Preliminary analysis suggests reasons for not participating include lack of perceived utility for future careers; practical barriers including time the placement would involve, time required to apply, financial considerations, rules around for example their studies or visa status; lack of information; being unable to find a suitable opportunity or perceiving that they would not be able to, and a sense that work-based learning was ‘scary’. The main recommendation was more information, particularly around benefits, and as part of in-class presentations and involving students who had participated before. Other suggestions included more support with applying; single semester placements, and credit towards degree. Our student is continuing the research and analysis to develop interventions.