Employability, an English Institute of Sport (EIS) perspective
Authors: Goodwin, K. and Ingham, S.
Journal: The Sport and Exercise Scientist
Volume: Winter
Issue: 46
Pages: 28-29
Publisher: British Association of Sport and Exercise Science
Abstract:The importance of work related learning and the need for specific learning opportunities for students to apply theory to practice is clearly stated within the BASES Position Stand on Curriculum-based Work Placements (Summer edition 2014). The message is clear and considering the centrality of the employability within the HE agenda the findings from the Association of Graduate Recruiters Survey (2015) were disappointing with two-thirds of companies having unfilled graduate vacancies with nearly a third claiming that candidates lack specific skills. Although the buoyant job market for graduates may explain some of the deficit, a deficit still appears to exist and a greater understanding is required to determine the nature and extent of the shortfall within the field of sports science.
The EIS were approached for comment on the matter of industry finding that students lack the necessary skill bases upon graduation. The EIS actively promote the fact that they foster a culture of continuous learning and personal development (EIS 2015) and consider the career of the sports scientist from student learner to graduate and beyond. I interviewed Dr Steve Ingham, the Director of Science and Technical Development at the EIS to offer a view about the state of play and what more we can do about developing the vocational skills of graduates.
Source: Manual