Understanding the Employment Needs of Full-time Vocational Students at ICS: Exploring the Impact of Employment on Student Performance at the College and Beyond

This paper investigates the impact of part-time employment on studentperformance among full-time undergrad vocational students reading Health and SocialCare and Early Years at the Institute of Community Services (ICS) within the Malta College ofArts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The phenomenon of tertiary students engaging inemployment during term time has been extensively studied, highlighting both positive andnegative effects on academic achievement. However, existing research primarily focuseson university students, creating a notable research gap regarding vocational studentsspecifically reading for a degree at Level 6, particularly within the local context. Thisstudy addresses this gap using a mixed-method approach, integrating phenomenologicalmethods for qualitative insights and quantitative analysis. Specifically, a cross-sectionaldesign was adopted to answer the research question. Drawing on Fisher and Stenner’s(2011) phenomenological framework, after conducting focus groups with key informantsto develop research tools, the study employed both qualitative (one-to-one interviewswith students) and quantitative (needs assessment with students) methods. Results revealthat many vocational students do not pay tuition fees and their motivation to work ismanifold—from gaining experience to addressing their social and financial pressures.Strikingly, participants declared that part-time work is negatively affecting their wellbeingand mental health. They perceive work as necessary to cover living and study-relatedexpenses but expressed mixed feelings on how this affects their academic performance.Nonetheless, participants neither skip lectures nor go late or have concentration issues.They also shared several adaptations to better balance employment and academic needs.Despite being a small-scale study, it contributes valuable insights into the dynamics ofstudent employment and its implications for vocational education. This research holdsimplications for research, society, and vocational education as it advocates for tailoredinterventions that support vocational students in balancing employment and academiccommitments effectively.