operating hours . Interviews were recorded using a digital voice recorder , lasted between 30- 60 minutes , and no other people were present in the interviews .
Data Analysis
All interviews were transcribed into Microsoft Word by the project RA . The RA then analysed the data using thematic analysis , in order to determine the impact of the experience of careers advice and guidance on the target ward learners . The six phases of thematic analysis as outlined by Braun & Clarke ( 2006 ) were followed ( see appendices ).
Limitations
It may have been beneficial if some of the participants had been on a definitive apprenticeship pathway . This would have enabled a comparison to be made between those on an apprenticeship pathway and those not , to establish any key differences in the experiences of the two groups .
At the start of the project , the team identified a number of key schools to approach to take part in the study . Despite multiple attempts , not all schools responded to the request .
Results
The results are presented in three sections .
• Experiences of formal careers advice and guidance ;
• Knowledge of apprenticeships ;
• Barriers to a career choice in technical apprenticeships .
Experiences of formal careers advice and guidance
All participants had received formal careers guidance within school . This primarily came in the form of one-on-one interviews with a careers advisor and careers fairs ( both inside and outside of school ). Whilst several participants had been on university trips , this appeared to be for a selected cohort ( such as Gifted and Talented ) as opposed to an all year activity .
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