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 London experienced racial or gender disadvantage during their selection. This exploratory study did not investigate the extent or the nature of this disadvantage.


OBJECTIVE
To undertake a survey using a pre-tested questionnaire with dental vocational trainees on the Thames Scheme. The questionnaire explored perceived and experienced aspects of gender and racial disadvantage during their vocational training programme.


RESULTS
127 trainees completed the questionnaire (response rate 92%). Minority ethnic respondents were more than twice as likely to feel their selection 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 influenced by their race when compared with their white colleagues (OR 3.05, 95%; CI 1.01,11.45). The majority of trainees did not perceive any disadvantage whilst on the vocational training course. For example, only five respondents (4%) felt that minority ethnic individuals were treated less favourably during the vocational training course.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, this preliminary study has attempted to explore inter-ethnic differences within the profession on perceived racial disadvantage and possible strategies for change. It is clear that the perception of disadvantage is greater than the reality within the experience of most trainees.
Anees
K
K
Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University of London.
Bedi
R
R
Rule
D C
DC
Lewsey
J D
JD
D001211:Asia, Western / Q000208:ethnology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003816:Dentists, Women / Q000523:psychology; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011287:Prejudice; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People