Forthcoming Seminar: Exploring Social Class as a ‘Ramp or Barrier’ to Career Aspirations
Date: Tuesday, 20th January Time: 5:00 pm Location: Online
We are pleased to invite the NICEC community to our first online seminar of the new year, which will delve into a complex and often understated factor in career development: social class.
While Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are rightly at the forefront of modern organisational strategies, social class is frequently overlooked in these discussions. Despite being difficult to define and measure, class background shapes lives and professional opportunities in profound ways. It influences an individual’s perception of what is "possible" or "desirable," determines access to the social and cultural capital that eases the path to certain professions, and can set hard financial limits on career training and pathways.
Career services play a vital role in levelling this playing field, ensuring equal access to knowledge and opportunities regardless of an individual's background.
The Research
For this session, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Kyla Ellis and Kate Alexander from the Institute for Employment Studies (IES).
They will be sharing findings from their recent research which explores the role of social class in decision-making, utilising the construction sector as a focal case study. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review and qualitative interviews with expert stakeholders—as well as new and prospective construction workers—the presentation will examine:
- How social class acts as a ‘ramp’ or a ‘barrier’ to specific career trajectories.
- The influence of background on career decision-making processes.
- Actionable ways career services and employers can support individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter fulfilling careers.
How to Join
