Why students avoid sandwich placements

This paper outlines research undertaken to identify factors that dissuade accounting degree students at the University of Salford from taking a year’s work placement. Interviews with key staff and purposively-selected students were transcribed and analysed using grounded theory. A questionnaire, based on emerging factors, was completed by students; with factor analysis triangulating and enhancing the interviews’ findings. Key factors identified are: awareness of the placement scheme, links with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and better descriptions of job opportunities illustrating the placement’s quality. In conclusion, further research is recommended using a shorter questionnaire focussing on these and other emerging factors, such as the students’ socio-economic status and pre-entry levels (UCAS points), which require validation. Cross-discipline research opportunities exist