Professionalization and the Reduction of Uncertainty: A study of new entrants to educational psychology

The study focuses on the transition between undertaking training and becoming an independent practitioner, drawing on data from 53 educational psychologists (EPs) who completed their educational psychology (EP) training courses in 1995–6 and subsequently took up positions in local education authority (LEA) services. Experiences of induction are examined in relation to promoting competence at individual and service level in a context where both training issues and the professionalization of EP services are under close scrutiny and review. The paper concludes with some implications for the future interface between training institutions and EP Services, and the nature of the curriculum which will meet future training needs.