Chapter Four Conclusion
This part of the research set out to consider four aims, we will review each in turn. The first aim was to consider the activities carried out by young employees. The data indicates that in many cases this group of workers are involved in jobs where they are required to master a number of activities. However, it is apparent that the 'demandingness' of the employment varies by job category.
Second, the case studies set out to develop an understanding of the context that school pupils work in. Our primary focus was on who they worked with and it is apparent that the majority work alongside adults and peers. Further research is needed to clarify the role of these adults and peers, although it is evident from the present study that a number of these co-workers have some supervisory role. The majority of our case study participants deal with the public in one form or another. For some this means serving customers for others it means working with clients. Future research needs to be aware of the potential variation in this type of contact.
Third, we set out to consider the extent to which pupils' jobs may result in the attainment of skills. We relied upon the young employee's perceptions of skill development, but in the context of this research we were able to consider whether the job provided the opportunity to attain any identified skill. It was apparent that the young workers did believe that they had gained a number of skills from working. These range from what we might consider to be soft skills such as communication skills through to job related skills which were gained from training.
Finally, we adopted a case study methodology which encompassed some alternative data gathering approaches. Based on the experience of running the research and the data gathered it is apparent that the use of observation and event recording can offer valuable insights into the experience of school pupil employees. Interviews provide an insight into the young person's perception of their work. However, the additional data sources in this study provide valuable information and result in a more realistic view of school pupils 'employment.