Understanding the psychological contract in apprenticeships and traineeships to improve retention

Erica Smith, Arlene Walker, Roslin Brennan Kemmis

    Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned report (public)

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    Abstract

    This research examines the 'psychological contract' or the unwritten expectations of employers and employees in an employment relationship. The particular aim of this study was to discover whether mismatched expectations have any effect on retention in apprenticeships and traineeships. Overall, there was a very high level of agreement on the obligations of the two major parties and so mismatched expectations turn out not to be the explanation for high attrition rates. But paying greater attention to the areas perceived as deficient, such as employers providing specific time for training, fair treatment and resources to do the job, may be a means of improving retention.
    Original languageEnglish
    PublisherNational Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program
    Commissioning bodyNational Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program
    Number of pages52
    ISBN (Print)9781921955563
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

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