posted on 2022-11-08, 15:02authored byLesli Godfrey
This research study is concerned with employers’ perspectives on graduate employability in playwork, and seeks to identify the skills, knowledge and attitudes which employers require of their prospective playwork, graduate employees. Sixteen employers were interviewed in total. All were based in England, and collectively represented ten different types of provision, which ranged from those directly offering play opportunities for children through to organisations providing support and development services. Specialist employers were also included from a prison play organisation, a hospital, a school and a social care provider. Transcripts were typed up and, using thematic analysis, a framework describing the knowledge, skills and attitudes was developed. It was acknowledged that some employers did not fully appreciate the level of learning required by undergraduates as they near achievement of their degree, and also that some responses identified attributes that could not be taught, or necessarily learnt, as a result of higher education. Nevertheless, a coherent and comprehensive description of employability for the playwork graduate, from employers’ perspectives, has been reached.