Gendered career decision-making : occupational segregation in Modern Apprenticeships

Abstract

This study seeks to learn from those who make gender atypical career decisions. Individuals making explicitly gendered career decisions which conform to stereotypical expectations and gender biases leads to occupational segregation within the labour market. Theoretical and empirical literature focuses on homogeneous gender typical groups and therefore gender-typical rather than atypical career decision-makers. In contrast, in this study, gendered career decision-making is explored through new research which builds on the work of Bimrose (2001; Bimrose et al 2014) on gender and career and Campbell (Thomson, Campbell and McKay, 2005; Campbell, McKay and Thomson, 2006; Campbell et al. 2009; Campbell and Gillespie, 2017) on Occupational Segregation in Modern Apprenticeships. This project uses participants on the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Programme as a data source. Following a pragmatist mixed methods orientation, a quantitative survey (N = 459) and five qualitative interviews are undertaken with Modern Apprentices in Scotland. The outcomes of the research include novel findings pertaining to apprenticeship provision and the demographics of Modern Apprentices. The analysis also pinpoints specific directions for future research in the career guidance and development discipline. In limiting the qualitative data collection to a specific cohort, the research offers the first opportunity to engage in critical insight into the nature and efficiency of work undertaken to address occupational segregation within the career information, advice and guidance sector itself via Modern Apprenticeship provision. Additionally, the research makes an explicit practical contribution to knowledge in relation to careers practitioner-researcher methodologies and practice.