After the Bologna Reform: Employability of Bachelors in Social and Educational Work in Luxembourg

Abstract

The present paper treats employability and the relevance of this concept with regard to the social professions in Luxembourg subsequent to the Bologna reform. Two studies were conducted to examine the employability of Bachelors in social and educational work in terms of their (a) rate of entry in to the labour market and (b) self-reports of practice proficiency as acquired at university. The results showed a high employment rate and further suggested that employability was perceived largely in terms of self-assessed knowledge and skills. The implications of a systematic follow-up of recently qualified practitioners are discussed as well as the need to adapt the curriculum more efficiently to the demands brought about by the evolution of the social professions.

Keywords:

• Employability
• Bologna
• Social Work
• Social Education
• Competency

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Luxembourg to the second author.

Notes

^[1] Comparisons over gender did not suggest that male and female respondents differed in their ratings with regard to self-perceived employability [t(df = 47.97) = − 1.65, p = 0.11] and self-assessed competency [t(df = 55.75) = 1.04, p = 0.30]. For the comparisons over age, the sample was divided into respondents younger than or equal to 23 years of age and respondents older than 24 years. These analyses did not reveal significant differences with regard to employability [t(df = 95) = − 1.22, p = 0.22] and competency (t = − 1.44, p = 0.15).