New graduate employment in New Zealand: The influence of fieldwork experiences

Research indicates fieldwork placements influence recruitment to the same setting, but, until this qualitative descriptive study, no equivalent research has been undertaken in New Zealand. This study used questionnaires and interviews to reveal implications for occupational therapy recruitment in New Zealand. Students seek employment in their placement setting if the teams operate well, occupational therapy is respected and valued, and they receive good supervision. Other factors that influence recruitment are: geographical location; type of practice; the grounding for their career that a first job gives them, and social and emotional aspects. Occupational therapists could become better employers, educators, recruiters and colleagues by utilising this study's recommendations.