Listening to voices : perspectives of employers and university students undergoing work-based learning

Abstract

This paper presents the perspectives of employers and University students reading for a degree in Public Policy at the University of Malta on work-based learning. Structured interviews were held with undergraduate students and employers on the benefits of placement experiences. The feedback obtained from the structured interviews was analysed. Placements give students the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice, develop new tools and acquire relevant skills which are required in the labour market. Feedback from employers’ perspectives can also serve to address any gaps in the University course curriculum to ensure relevance to the market.