The validation and refinement of a Work Readiness Scale for graduate Allied Health Professionals

Abstract

Abstract The transition for allied health graduates from university to the workforce has been perceived to be difficult and overwhelming, leading to early attrition within healthcare professions. Work readiness is a crucial aspect of successful transition to the workforce, however the elements of work readiness are not clearly defined. The 62-item Work Readiness scale for Allied Health Professionals (WRS-AH), based on a Work Readiness scale for a generic population of graduates, has yet to be validated. The aim of this study was to validate and refine the WRS-AH and compare the results to the original four factor construct. Participants were 245 Australian allied health professional graduates who completed the WRS-AH. An exploratory factor analysis supported a four-factor solution with domains (interpersonal capabilities, practical wisdom, personal attributes, and organisational acumen) similar to the original WRS. The final WRS-AH had 32 items, demonstrated good reliability, and explained 38% of the total variance. Using the refined scale, on average, the Australian allied health graduates reported an overall work readiness score of 80% (SD 8) with the scores highest for practical wisdom (Mean 90%, SD 8) and lowest for personal attributes (Mean 65%, SD 14). This study supports a valid and reliable scale to measure the perceived work readiness of allied health graduates as they transition from university to the workforce. The WRS-AH confirms that work readiness is multi-dimensional and may provide a more targeted approach to interventions to improve work readiness in future allied health professional graduates.