Further education learners' prior experience of career education and guidance: A case study of Chesterfield College

Abstract

This article explores further education (FE) students' prior experiences of careers education. The research draws on and extends the limited literature that exists around career support in further education.A mixed methods case study was used to explore students' experience of careers work prior to attending Chesterfield College and to examine the implications of this for the college's provision of career support. Findings indicate that the majority of students had limited contact with careers workers prior to their arrival at the college and, in instances when they had contact, often had a negative preconception of this contact. These findings are discussed with reference to the college's careers education provision and the wider implications for the sector.