Vocational Support Research Articles

Black Broadcast Journalists: Implications of Mentorship and Race in the Newsroom

In this study, 23 African American broadcast journalists, who graduated from college between 1994 and 2014, were interviewed about their experiences working in network television news, specifically the role their mentor played to help their professional success. Mentors largely provided both vocational and psychosocial support, but were overwhelmingly not seen as role models. The majority of mentees also believed race was a factor in their careers. The findings led to recommendations on how mentors can guide their mentees toward career progression, such as verbal encouragement, guiding mentees to position themselves so “Others” see the value they bring to the newsroom, and networking opportunities.

The Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report and the fit note: Perspectives of patients and stakeholders

Introduction Although the role of occupational therapists in the provision of vocational support is established, there has been little research into their role in issuing Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports or their potential to complete fit notes. Method Employed patients ( n = 14) and stakeholders ( n = 12) took part in semi-structured telephone interviews and were questioned about occupational therapy-run vocational clinics, experiences of the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports and their views of occupational therapists completing fit notes. Results Most interviewees saw the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report as a valuable tool in affecting return to work and even employers with access to in-house occupational health predominantly found it useful in corroborating recommendations. There was consensus, amongst patients and stakeholders, that completion of the fit note by the occupational therapist could reduce the burden on the general practitioner, and potentially provide more in-depth advice via the ‘may be fit’ option. However, stakeholders strongly believed that the profile of the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report needed to be raised nationally. Conclusion The potential value of Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports in primary care is recognised. However, in order to maximise this, its profile and utility needs to be raised nationally as a matter of urgency. There was also support for occupational therapists completing fit notes.

An integrated mental health and vocational intervention: A longitudinal study on mental health changes among young adults.

AimThis study aimed to investigate changes in mental health among young adults participating in an integrated mental health and vocational support intervention according to the Södertälje Supported Employment and Education model.DesignA prospective longitudinal pre–post intervention study of 12 months.MethodsInstruments on depressive symptoms, quality of life, empowerment, engagement in activities and sociodemographic characteristics were administered to 42 young adults aged 19–28 years with mood disorders. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess changes in mental health.ResultsStatistically significant positive changes between baseline and 12 months were noted for quality of life and engagement in activities. Difference in empowerment scores neared significance and a statistical trend towards lower depression scores was seen, corresponding to moderate depression at baseline and less severe depression at 12 months.ConclusionsIntegrated mental health and vocational services may support young adults' mental health and is suggested to be linked to their personal recovery and clinical recovery.

INdividual Vocational and Educational Support Trial (INVEST) for young people with borderline personality disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe clinical onset of borderline personality disorder (BPD) usually occurs in young people (aged 12–25 years) and commonly leads to difficulty achieving and maintaining vocational (education and/or employment) engagement. While current psychosocial interventions lead to improvements in psychopathology, they have little effect upon functioning. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a client-driven model that assists individuals with severe mental illness to engage with education and/or employment appropriate to their personal goals, and that provides ongoing support to maintain this engagement. The objective of the INdividual Vocational and Educational Support Trial (INVEST) is to evaluate the effectiveness of adding IPS to an evidence-based early intervention programme for BPD, with the aim of improving vocational outcomes.Methods/designINVEST is a single-blind, parallel-groups, randomised controlled trial (RCT). The randomisation is stratified by gender and age and uses random permuted blocks. The interventions are 39 weeks of either IPS, or ‘usual vocational services’ (UVS). Participants will comprise 108 help-seeking young people (aged 15–25 years) with three or more DSM-5 BPD features and a desire to study or work, recruited from the Helping Young People Early (HYPE) early intervention programme for BPD at Orygen, in Melbourne, Australia. All participants will receive the HYPE intervention. After baseline assessment, staff who are blind to the intervention group allocation will conduct assessments at 13, 26, 39 and 52 weeks. At the 52-week primary endpoint, the primary outcome is the number of days in mainstream education/employment since baseline. Secondary outcomes include the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, quality of life, and BPD severity.DiscussionCurrent treatments for BPD have little impact on vocational outcomes and enduring functional impairment is prevalent among this patient group. IPS is a targeted functional intervention, which has proven effective in improving vocational outcomes for adults and young people with psychotic disorders. This trial will investigate whether IPS is effective for improving vocational (employment and educational) outcomes among young people with subthreshold or full-syndrome BPD.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ACTRN12619001220156. 13 September 2019.

Examining What Works for Youth With Moderate Risk Involved With the Juvenile Justice System: Comparing the Effect of the Community Connections Program and a Vocational Support Program Over a 9-Year Time Period

Using administrative data from an urban juvenile probation department between January 2007 and August 2016, the study included youth who were placed on court-ordered postadjudication community supervision and who were deemed to have a moderate risk of reoffending by the department’s risk and needs assessment. The two programs evaluated include a vocational support program (VSP) and the Community Connections program (CC). Youth across both groups were matched using propensity score matching, creating a final sample of 301 individual youth per program. When examining the program effect of CC versus VSP across six time-to-event variables (i.e., time to second program, detention, out-of-home placement, another offense, violation of court order, and days in program), the findings were mixed. However, across both programs, analyses revealed youth with a successful discharge and longer time spent in their program had better outcomes.

Pain characteristics and quality of life of breast cancer survivors that return and do not return to work: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Purpose the aim of this study is two-fold: 1) to explore the pain characteristics among breast cancer survivors that return to work and do not return to work; 2) to identify the factors associated with pain on the upper quadrant of the affected side. Materials and methods Sixty-two breast cancer survivors were included. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Pain characteristics were assessed with a body diagram and a numeric rating scale. Results Thirty-five breast cancer survivors did not return to work. Ninety-one percent of women that did not return to work reported pain. The most frequent pain sites were the cervical spine and the axilla of the affected side. There were no significant differences in pain intensity between groups. The factors associated with pain on the upper quadrant of the affected side were perception of shoulder stiffness OR = 5.93 (1.38–44.87, 95%CI) and time since surgery of more than four years OR = 5.54 (1.36–20.97, 95% CI). Conclusions Pain was highly prevalent among breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors that returned to work presented better quality of life. Longer time since surgery and perception of shoulder stiffness were associated with pain on the upper quadrant of the affected side. Implications for rehabilitation Pain is a major factor following breast cancer surgery preventing returning to work. This group reported more pain on the cervical spine and axilla of the affected side. Rehabilitation needs to focus specifically on pain management in order to improve quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach involving pain specialists and vocational support is recommended.

Evaluation of an Educational and Vocational Service for Adolescent and Young Adults with Cancer: A Retrospective Review.

Purpose: A cancer diagnosis and its treatment has the potential to interfere with the ability of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) to remain engaged in education or employment, placing social connectivity, career progression, and financial security at risk. This study aimed at assessing the educational and vocational outcomes of AYAs supported by an Education and Vocational Support Program (EVSP). Methods: Consecutive case files were reviewed of AYAs accessing the EVSP at ONTrac at Peter Mac (January 2014-December 2016). Data collected included: demographic information; diagnosis and treatment; referral time point; education/employment status at referral and end of treatment; and interventions provided. Results: Two hundred nineteen AYAs had >1 appointment with an EVSP advisor. The mean age was 19.6 (13-26). The most common intervention delivered was direct consultations. Overall, 79% of AYAs were engaged in educational and/or vocational pursuits at last known status. Engagement with EVSP during treatment for employment and tertiary educational support had a high rate of attendance at last known status (during treatment: 93% and 92.5%; post-treatment: 71% and 69%, respectively). At referral to EVSP, 27 AYAs were not in education, employment, or training; however, >50% re-integrated in employment or study after EVSP support. Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the role of an EVSP for Australian AYAs. With the support of an EVSP, the vast majority of AYAs remained engaged in education and/or employment throughout their cancer trajectory. Further research will be required to evaluate the quality of interventions and incorporate the voice of AYAs to further inform service delivery.

진로직업체험지원센터 실무자의 운영 경험에 관한 현상학적 연구: 충청남도를 중심으로

진로직업체험지원센터 실무자의 운영 경험에 관한 현상학적 연구: 충청남도를 중심으로

How peer support can assist job-seekers with a disability move into work

AbstractAnecdotally, there are frequent reports that peer-facilitated initiatives can be successfully used in employment services. However, in Australia, there is little information about how to effectively deliver peer support. In this paper, we discuss how peer-based interventions might be used to supplement formal return-to-work services and contribute to positive job-seeking outcomes. We illustrate the potential of vocational peer support using a real situation involving a young adult who successfully returned to work soon after sustaining a traumatic injury. Future research should explore the inclusion of various peer support structures and formats as a component of other employment services, to help people with long-term conditions and disabilities achieve a range of vocational outcomes and to guide practice in this area.

Modernization of vocational education in the context of rural human resources development in China

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the experience of the development of rural vocational education since the reform and opening up, analyze and summarize the rapid development of rural vocational education in China in the context of rural human resources development.
 Methodology / approach. The methods adopted in this research are mainly literature research and thematic research. Through thematic research on vocational education-related fields since the reform and opening up, and analysis, research, and induction of policies, data, phenomena, and conclusions in various vocational education literatures, it forms an objective summary of the development of rural vocational education in China since the reform and opening up.
 Results. Reform and opening up is the most critical period for the rapid development of various industries in China, including vocational education. This paper studies the overall situation of the development of vocational education in China since the reform and opening up, the relationship between the development of rural vocational education and policy support at the national level is concluded, it demonstrates that rural vocational education is an important cornerstone of national construction and development, and the focus and characteristic of rural vocational education is to condense the Chinese experience of school-running characteristics, it also summarizes the main problems of rural vocational education in China.
 Originality / scientific novelty. A multi-dimensional analysis of the development of China’s rural vocational education in the 42 years of reform and opening up has been made, and conclusions have been drawn for the development of rural vocational education with Chinese characteristics.
 Practical value / implications. This paper analyzes the key factors for the success of rural vocational education in China through the study of China’s practice in the field of rural vocational education since the reform and opening up, it has certain reference significance for the future policy formulation and development of rural vocational education, promotes the development of rural human resources and increases the rate of urbanization.

Development model for competency improvement and national vocational qualification support frames in Automotive technology

BNSP technical competence gets high legality on the side of the industry, while not all test participants can acquire it. Until now, studies that discuss relevant competency test models on automotive engine technology are still limited, not specific or even non-existent. The objective of this research is to produce a Competency Test Model for Engine Tune Up-System Injection and determine the characteristics after the model is applied. The subject of development consists of assesses (vocational education graduates, workers and educators), experts, and assessors from related Professional Certification Institutions (LSP). Instrument validation was conducted through expert judgment and feasibility trials. Reliability tests were performed using alpha and interrater coefficient analysis. The results of the test analysis include (1) competency test model assessment using the CBA approach; (2) competency dimension elements in instruments development are in the form of TS, TMS, CMS, EMS, and JRES; and (3) the characteristics of competency assessment include equipment verification of adequacy, avoiding impartiality, meeting requirements, transparent and accounTable, and able to produce recommendations as "competent" and "non-competent". The obtained findings showed that the developed competency test model could be used as a reference for use in vocational education.

Employment status three years after percutaneous coronary intervention and predictors for being employed: A nationwide prospective cohort study.

Vocational support is recommended for patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), as returning to work is important in patients social readjusting after an acute coronary event. Information is lacking on whether CR leads to higher long-term employment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aims of this study were to determine employment status three years after PCI, to compare employment status between CR participants and CR non-participants and to assess predictors for employment. We included first-time PCI patients from the NorStent trial, who were of working age (<63 years; n = 2488) at a three-year follow-up. Employment status and CR participation were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Propensity score method was used in comparing employment status of CR participants and CR non-participants. Seventy per cent of participants who were <60 years of age at the index event were employed at follow-up and CR participation had no effect on employment status. Being male, living with a partner and attaining higher levels of education were associated with a higher chance of being employed, while being older, prior cardiovascular morbidity and smoking status were associated with lower chance of being employed at follow-up. Because a significant number of working-age coronary heart disease patients are unemployed three years after coronary revascularization, updated incentives should be implemented to promote vocational support. Such programmes should focus on females, patients lacking higher education and patients who are living alone, as they are more likely to remain unemployed.

Potential pathways for proficiency training in computer maintenance technology among prospective electronic technology education graduates

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the cause–effect relationship between vocational support and the levels of acquisition of practical skills via learning self-efficacy during a training intervention in computer maintenance technology among vocational electronic technology students.Design/methodology/approachQuasi-experimental research was employed. The participants were 84 undergraduates of vocational electronic technology education in Nigeria. The study applied the modified stages of the Dreyfus model of skills acquisition as the training model. The study proposed a four-simple mediation models based on the first four stages of the modified Dreyfus model of skills acquisition (namely, novice, advanced beginner, competent and proficient stages) via practical skills learning self-efficacy.FindingsThe result showed significant effects of perceived vocational support in practical skills training on the levels of acquisition of practical skills in computer maintenance technology. Learning self-efficacy mediated the relationship between perceived vocational support and three levels of practical skills acquisition (advanced beginner, competent and proficient).Research limitations/implicationsAll possible mediation pathways were not covered in this study. However, the study x-rayed the tendency of pathways in training intervention in vocational education and allied fields of study.Practical implicationsThis study has empirically provided evidence to support the Dreyfus model of skills acquisition, as a plausible practical skills training model. Hence, the study can serve as a model for other researchers for replication in other fields of study.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that revealed potential pathways in work-related practical skills training interventions. The study has also validated the Dreyfus model as a potential skill acquisition model for practical skills training.

Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Development of Small and Medium Enterprises in Vietnam

Implementing social responsibility activities (CSR) towards sustainable development (Sustainable Development) is one of the issues that businesses pay special attention. The study carried out a survey of 316 small and medium sized enterprises allocated according to different business sectors and territories in Vietnam. The main purpose of the study is to assess the impact of corporate social responsibility compared to other factors developed in the research model affecting the sustainable development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The observations constructed by research team and inserted in the corporate social responsibility policy scale are: Participation in vocational training support programs in the community; Building programs on clean water and sanitation; Training and improving the capacity and social knowledge for workers; Contributing to social activities in the locality; Paying attention to issues of environmental pollution treatment; and finally complying with the provisions of law to ensure food hygiene and safety and environment. The authors applied regression analysis to assess the impact of corporate social responsibility policies on sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The research results showed that the social activities of enterprises have a positive influence on the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam, besides other factors such as: Enterprise management capacity, finance, human resources and support policies from the government.

Present conditions and development plan for customized employment for the severely disabled: Based on vocational rehabilitation center project

이 연구는 중증장애인의 고용확대 및 유지를 위해 이루어지고 있는 중증장애인 맞춤식 고용의 현황을 살펴보고 활성화 방안을 마련하는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 현장중심 직업재활센터사업의 현황 분석과 사업담당자 심층면담을 실시하였다. 그 결과 사업 활성화를 위해서는 첫째, 현장중심 직업재활센터사업의 정체성 확립이 필요하며 둘째, 중증장애인직업재활지원사업과 연계하거나 통합을 고려할 필요가 있으며 셋째, 공공분야 장애인 일자리 방향성을 맞춤식 접근을 통해 안정된 일자리사업으로 재설계할 필요가 있으며 넷째, 전문인력과 훈련지원인의 자격기준의 개선과 전문성 향상을 위한 교육기회가 제공되어야 하며 다섯째, 다양한 직무지원과 사업주 지원방안이 개발되고 지원될 필요가 있으며, 마지막으로 최소한의 인력과 지원서비스를 위한 예산, 훈련수당 지원 등의 근본적인 지원확대가 필요한 것으로 나타났다.The purpose of this study is to establish a vocational rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities. For this purpose, we analyzed the current status of field - oriented vocational rehabilitation center project and conducted in - depth interviews with project managers. As a result, it is necessary to establish the identity of business-centered vocational rehabilitation center project in order to revitalize the business. Second, it is necessary to integrate with the vocational rehabilitation support project for persons with disabilities or to consider integration. Third, it is necessary to redesign the job direction for the disabled in the public sector into a stable job business through a customized approach. Fourth, education opportunities should be provided to improve the qualification standards of professional workers and training supporters and to improve their professionalism. Fifth, various job support and employer support schemes need to be developed and supported. And finally, funding for minimum manpower and support services, and support for training allowances.

Effects of Individual Placement and Support Supplemented With Cognitive Remediation and Work-Focused Social Skills Training for People With Severe Mental Illness

Individual placement and support (IPS) seems to be an effective vocational intervention for people with severe mental illness, but its effects have not yet been shown in the Danish welfare model. Also, effects may be enhanced by adding cognitive remediation and work-focused social skills training (IPS with enhancements [IPSE]). To investigate the effects of IPS vs IPSE vs service as usual (SAU) on a population of individuals with severe mental illness in Denmark. This was an investigator-initiated, 3-group, parallel, assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial that used early-intervention teams or community mental health services in 3 Danish cities to recruit participants with severe mental illness. Participants were randomly assigned to receive IPS, IPSE, or SAU from November 2012 to February 2016, and follow-up continued until August 2017. Participants allocated to the IPS intervention received vocational support per the principles of the IPS model. Participants in the IPSE arm received cognitive remediation and social skills training in addition to IPS. The group receiving SAU received vocational rehabilitation at the Danish job centers. The primary outcome was the number of hours in competitive employment or education during the 18-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included intergroup differences in employment or education at any point during follow-up; time to employment or education; and cognitive and social functioning, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Of the 720 included participants (mean [SD] age, 32.8 [9.9] years; 276 [38.3%] women), 243 received IPS, 238 received IPSE, and 239 received SAU. Most participants (551 [76.5%]) were diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. During the 18-month follow-up, the IPSE group worked or studied a mean (SD) of 488.1 (735.6) hours, compared with 340.8 (573.8) hours in the group receiving SAU (success-rate difference [SRD], 0.151 [95% CI, 0.01-0.295]; P = .016). The mean (SD) in the IPS group was 411 (656.9) (SRD, 0.127 [95% CI, -0.017 to 0.276]; P = .004). There was no difference between IPS and IPSE in any vocational outcomes, and the 3 groups showed no differences in any nonvocational outcomes, except that the IPS and IPSE groups were more satisfied with the services received than the group receiving SAU (IPS vs SAU: SRD, 0.310 [95% CI, 0.167-0.445]); IPSE vs SAU: SRD, 0.341 [95% CI, 0.187-0.478]). Compared with SAU, IPS and IPSE seem to be viable routes to increase employment and education rates in people with severe mental illness in Denmark, but no additional effects were observed by enhancing IPS. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01722344.

An alternative pathway to employment for autistic job-seekers: a case study of a training and assessment program targeted to autistic job candidates

ABSTRACTAutistic adults are willing and able employees but face a number of barriers to gaining and maintaining meaningful employment, one of which is a lack of exposure to work experience and workplace training opportunities. A case study of an autism specific employment program is presented, which provided an opportunity for autistic candidates to learn role-related tasks at the employment site over an extended training and assessment period, and comprehensive training and transition support for successful applicants. To date, limited data exists evaluating autism-specific hiring programs involving a vocational education and training component, which is addressed by this study. To evaluate the program, one-on-one interviews were conducted, approximately three months post-employment, with the successful autistic employees; focus groups were also conducted with their co-workers. The study identified a number of positive aspects of the program (e.g. extended exposure to the role and workplace prior to role start, individual support, modifications), and areas for improvement (e.g. further training for co-workers). The findings suggest that programs that provide extended onsite vocational training and support may benefit autistic job candidates and allow an effective transition into the workplace.

Supporting elite athletes in a new age: experiences of personal excellence advisers within Australia’s high-performance sporting environment

ABSTRACTTraditional career assistance programs focused on the provision of vocational and educational support for elite athletes. Following a recent shift towards the provision of holistic support services for these athletes, the purpose of this research was to explore the newly developed Personal Excellence (PE) adviser role within Australia’s high-performance sport system. The current investigation was exploratory in nature and examined the PE role, adviser experiences and essential services provided by these advisers in supporting Australia’s elite athletes. Utilising an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), six individuals (Mage = 47.0, SD = 28.6) who were employed in a PE position within Australia’s National Institute Network participated in this study. In analysing the data according to IPA guidelines, six superordinate themes were identified: a) rationale for change; (b) program architecture; (c) essential services; (d) fundamental skills and qualities; (e) limiting factors; and (f) future opportunities. Consistent with IPA conventions, a thematic map was generated to illustrate the relationship between these factors. As the first empirical study of the PE program, this paper makes a valuable contribution to understanding the role of support programs in the elite sporting landscape and enhances the growing evidence-base on the provision of career assistance and wellbeing programs for elite athletes.

Vocational evaluation and vocational guidance for young people with a history of drug abuse.

BACKGROUND:Young people recovering from drug addiction often face challenges in returning to the job market and in maintaining their jobs. Many of them feel they have no choice but to do entry-level work, and they are often unsure about their work ability and vocational choice.OBJECTIVE:In collaboration with a youth outreach service, this study aims to provide a package of vocational assessment, guidance, and support for these clients.METHODS:Using a strength-based case management framework, we conducted a comprehensive vocational evaluation for each participant (N = 17), which covered self-perception of abilities, work and occupational interests, work readiness, work-related self-efficacy, and work aptitudes. We presented assessment results to each client and provided guidance on their education, training, or vocational choice.RESULTS:The results of aptitude tests indicate that most participants can cope with an entry-level job. Many participants are strong in jobs that require quick decision-making, sorting, assembly, and clerical tasks, but many are weak in fine manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination. Many participants preferred jobs that are creative, indefinite, and autonomous in nature.CONCLUSION:Longer-term vocational counseling and coaching is needed to help clients make vocational choices and extend their job tenure. Many clients will also need training in job seeking and job maintenance skills.

Stigma against patients with HIV/AIDS in the rapid expansion of antiretroviral treatment in large drug injection-driven HIV epidemics of Vietnam

BackgroundDespite existing efforts to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIV-diagnosed people, stigma deprives them of the highest attainable health status and challenges the effectiveness of ART program in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess five dimensions of HIV-related stigma and explore its associated factors among ART patients in a multisite survey. Implications of this study support the development of HIV policies to improve patients’ access, utilization, and outcomes of ART program toward the 90-90-90 goal in Vietnam.MethodsA total of 1133 ART patients who were recruited by convenience sampling method from 8 ART clinics in Hanoi and Nam Dinh in a cross-sectional study from January to August 2013. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with stigmatization.ResultsThe majority of participants reported experiencing stigmatization due to shame (36.9%), blame/judge (21.6%), and discrimination (23.4%). Further, 91.5% of participants disclosed their HIV status with others. The likelihood of experiencing stigmatization did not only associate with the patients’ socioeconomic status (e.g., age, occupation, education) and HIV status disclosure, but also their health problems. Those with anxiety or depression and perceived lower quality of life were more likely to experience stigma.ConclusionsTo maximize the efficiency of the ART program, it is essential to develop interventions that reduce stigma involving individuals, families, and communities, and recognize and address complex health problems especially those patients showing depressive symptoms. Increasing quality of life of HIV-positive patients by providing vocational training, financial, family, and peer support will reduce the likelihood of experiencing stigma.