The value proposition of construction apprenticeships in Ireland: a construction management university student perspective (original) (raw)

PurposeTo examine the perspective of third-level university students in the context of the value proposition of construction apprenticeships in Ireland.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a qualitative method, conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 third-level university students enrolled on a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree program in Construction Management in Ireland.FindingsThe results highlight six themes. These include that society appears to be directly and/or indirectly steering students towards university. This is driven by what appears to be a prevailing stigma in that apprenticeships are not seen as an achievement by society. Also, apprenticeships are seen as a limited career choice, while also being one which appears to repel female entrants.Practical implicationsIf the shortage of new skilled workers entering the construction industry continues, construction organisations will not have the necessary resources to tender for, and subsequently, complet...