It’s mainly about fit: Employability perspectives from undergraduate learners on a vocational course in England

Abstract

Employability is significant to higher education. Given employability’s importance, higher education practice has been affected. However, employability is a complex concept with several stakeholders. Even though students are interested parties, their understanding of employability is not well-known. This paper is interested in employability from the student perspective. Its aim is to explore the student experience of employability within higher education. The research approach of a collective case study involving 11 students was taken. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews; students supplied employability related stories. Additionally, work placement reflections plus mentor feedback forms were examined. Findings confirmed employability is a multifactorial concept, however, a fit between worker and their work was considered most valuable. Importantly, certain factors influenced fit. Previous research has linked employability with a fit between worker and their work. Nevertheless, this paper stresses the significance of fit for students. It also collates factors affecting fit and therefore employability.