Evaluation of a psychology graduate internship programme
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 16 October 2019
Issue publication date: 16 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Applications for clinical psychology training far outstrip places and relevant work experience is key. Paid opportunities are limited and therefore many choose volunteering, with well-connected graduates faring best. To promote equal opportunities a coordinated psychology graduate voluntary internship programme was established in a National Health Service Trust in the South of England. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate intern and supervisor outcomes, equality of access and adherence to governance standards.
Design/methodology/approach
Three cohorts of interns, unappointed applicants and supervisors were surveyed. Between 2013 and 2016, 270 psychology graduates applied, 119 were recruited and 151 either refused a place or were unsuccessful. In total, 91 supervisors provided service-level feedback.
Findings
Interns and applicants were predominantly young, able-bodied white British heterosexual females. Demographic profiles were similar and broadly representative of psychology graduates nationally. While fewer were from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds, proportions were greater than the local population. Participants were more socioeconomically privileged than undergraduates nationally. The scheme was popular and well governed according to interns and supervisors. Post-internship employment prospects were improved, with most interns gaining paid mental health roles like assistant psychologist. Most supervisors commented on the positive contribution made by interns to service outcomes.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on voluntary psychology graduate posts, an area under-researched until now. Our results suggest that a coordinated, transparent approach can benefit both interns and services by minimising exploitation and maximising developmental opportunities for the new graduate. The programme makes an important contribution to addressing inequalities experienced by psychology graduates attempting to enter mental health careers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
At the time of the research Alesia Moulton-Perkins, Alexandra Wressle, Nick Grey and Rebecca Sired were based at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK. Alesia Moulton-Perkins and Alexandra Wressle contributed equally to the paper and wish to be known as joint first authors. Nick Grey contributed to the statistical analyses and reviewed the draft for publication. Rebecca Sired contributed to data collection and wrote the original internal service evaluation report. The authors would also like to thank Adrian Whittington for his leadership and support.
Citation
Moulton-Perkins, A., Wressle, A., Grey, N. and Sired, R. (2019), "Evaluation of a psychology graduate internship programme", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 14 No. 6, pp. 423-435. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-04-2019-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited