Perceptions of vocational trainees on gender and racial disadvantage within the Thames vocational training programme

Background A recent report has suggested that vocational trainees within Lo ndon experienced racial or gender disadvantage during their selection. This exploratory study did not investigate the extent or the nature of this dis advantage. Aim To undertake a survey using a pre-tested questionnaire with dental voca tional trainees on the Thames Scheme. The questionnaire explored perceived and experienced aspects of gender and racial disadvantage during their voca tional training programme. Results 127 trainees completed the questionnaire (response rate 92%). Minor ity ethnic respondents were more than twice as likely to feel their selecti on was influenced by gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.02, 5.10) and more than three times likely to feel selection was inf luenced by their race when compared with their white colleagues (OR 3.05, 9 5%; CI 1.01,11.45). The majority of trainees did not perceive any disadvant age whilst on the vocational training course. For example, only five respon dents (4%) felt that minority ethnic individuals were treated less favourab ly during the vocational training course. Conclusion In conclusion, this preliminary study has attempted to explore i nter-ethnic differences within the profession on perceived racial disadvant age and possible strategies for change. It is clear that the perception of disadvantage is greater than the reality within the experience of most trai nees.