Hippologernas arbetsmarknad : bakomliggande faktorer till yrkesbyte efter avslutad utbildning

Sammanfattning: Equine students labour market – reasons to change career The Swedish University of Agricultural Science offers a variety of courses and educations in the field of agriculture, natural sciences, forestry and environmental science. Equine Science is one of the bachelor programs. It was founded in the year of 1994. According to an inquiry to equine science alumni who graduated throughout the years 1996-2011, more than one fourth of the alumni who answered the inquiry no longer work in the equine sector. This study aims to elucidate the factors leading to the change of vocation among equine science alumni. Therefore, this study can contribute to knowledge about and improvement of working conditions within the equine sector. Prior studies have found that labor market mobility is a complex phenomenon. People deciding to change career have expressed lower rates of satisfaction with their employment. Other reasons to change career was attractive working conditions within the new vocation, better salary, better opportunities to combine work with family, more meaningful work tasks and further possibilities for personal development. This study was performed through semi-structured telephone interviews with eight female equine science alumni who at some point worked outside of the equine sector. The results showed that the physical working environment was tough and strenuous. Several equine science alumni had injuries caused by their work. Half of the respondents thought that there was a problem with collective boards at Swedish riding schools. The main problems concerned cooperation and communication with or within the boards. The psychosocial working environment was negatively influenced by multiple factors, such as different approaches on horse keeping and the welfare of horses, poor leadership and collective boards when working at riding schools. The salaries within the equine sector was considered to be low by the majority of the respondents. The working hours and the possibilities of a normal family life was not considered to be favorable. The majority of the equine science alumni could consider working within the equine sector again if the working conditions became more favorable. The conclusion of this study proves that there is more than one specific reason for equine science alumni to change vocation, such as physical and psychosocial working environment, salary, collective boards and the effects on personal and family life. This can be concluded to the influence of the individuals physical and psychological health. To improve the working conditions within the equine sector stables and yards need renovation and modernization. The leadership and the support from the trade unions are also in need of improvement.