Do ‘sandwich’ student job advertisements promote access and participation of women in Higher Education work placements?

Previous research comparing job advertisements written/constructed in subtly different ways demonstrates that small changes can influence an applicants' perception of the advertised role and their inclination to apply. Such research has analysed effects of specific features on disadvantaged groups, including women. This paper presents an original gender inclusion analysis framework and reports on its use to critically assess 280 ‘sandwich’ (or year-long) placement advertisements (sourced from RateMyPlacement.co.uk- a leading UK student jobs listing board), as an under-explored structural mechanism that may help sustain gender inequality in work placement. Practice which supports student engagement with work placement, particularly for disadvantaged groups, is important given the robust evidence that placement enhances employability and graduate employment outcomes. Findings offer evidence based recommendations for employability practitioners working with student employers or managing their own work experience schemes seeking to promote gender diversity and explore research relevant to enhancing inclusive employability practice.