This qualitative study samples the opinions of full-time students at colleges and schools in South Essex concerning part-time employment whilst studying.  It was commissioned by the South Essex Learning Partnership. 
An initial set of focus groups with students in local schools and colleges were recorded in December 2002.  Initial interviews also took place with teachers, lecturers, careers officers, and support student support personnel.  100 students took place in the initial interviews.
Findings complement recent regional, national and international research work.  The report is divided into sections that examine student perceptions.  Particular areas of interest include: the polarisation of staff and students views on paid employment and the resulting air of secrecy fostered by students; the extent of disposable incomes for students and the resulting changes in perception of “want” and “need”; and the pragmatic and dynamic choices made by students in their area of paid work.
This research in South Essex points to a need for an airing of the issue of paid work and study at school and college level.  The research comes across examples of the hardening of attitudes on all sides leading to students trying to cope with complex issues without the support that could be made available.  The principle recommendation is for the SELP 14 to 19 Advisory Group to lead the field in opening up discussion in schools and colleges in the area.  A series of workshops is advocated involving students, educationalists, employers and parents that stem from a resolve to work towards institutionalising positive assistance with paid part-time work, rather than persisting with the present pervasive atmosphere of disapproval, in order to enable students to make more informed choices about their lifestyles.

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