Miguel Flores, Assistant Professor and Programme Director for Work Placements at the School of Business, National College of Ireland (NCI), has been awarded the prestigious New Foundations research grant from Research Ireland to lead a groundbreaking project aimed at improving the inclusivity and accessibility of Degree-Embedded Work Placements for students with disabilities in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The project, titled “Enhancing University-to-Work Transitions of Students with Disabilities Through Work Placements: Assessing Barriers and Facilitators in Irish Higher Education,” seeks to address a significant gap in academic research. While existing studies highlight that work placements help graduates apply academic knowledge, develop transferable skills, build professional networks, and shape their graduate identity—ultimately easing the transition into the labour market—these benefits are not equitably experienced by all students. Students with disabilities often face unique challenges, including attitudinal and institutional barriers, and additional systemic hurdles that can hinder their access to these valuable opportunities.
“This research aims to uncover the barriers and enablers that influence the participation of students with disabilities in work placements. The goal is to inform evidence-based policies that foster more inclusive opportunities, empowering students with disabilities to maximise both their academic achievements and professional potential.” ~ Dr Miguel Flores.
This project builds on Dr. Flores’s research into the labour market outcomes of higher education graduates, with a particular focus on the connection between work placements and employability. His recent study found that graduates who complete work placements are more likely to secure roles aligned with their career aspirations compared to those without placement experience (Arsenis & Flores, 2024a). Additionally, his latest publication highlights how work placements influence graduate earnings, revealing that students who return to their placement employer after graduation often enjoy significant financial advantages. These findings underscore the vital role that work placements play in enhancing graduate employability and long-term career success (Arsenis & Flores, 2024b).
The New Foundations research grant presents an exciting opportunity to expand this research into the realms of disability, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in higher education. The project is expected to have a lasting impact on how Irish HEIs design and implement work placements, contributing to the development of more inclusive educational environments that support the successful university-to-work transition for students with disabilities.
In pursuit of this research, the project will be conducted in partnership with AHEAD, Ireland’s leading civil society organisation dedicated to creating inclusive environments for students and graduates with disabilities. This collaboration will ensure that the research not only identifies the challenges faced by students with disabilities but also translates findings into practical, actionable strategies for both educational institutions and employers.
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