The male perspective : their lived experience as they embark on an educational journey through an enabling program

In the new era of providing streamlined access to university, enabling programs have had an increased number of students utilising these as an alternative pathway to gain access to university. These programs have an important role in the development and up-skilling of students assisting with a positive transition into undergraduate studies. However, the number of males to females is notably disproportionate within the enrolment figures in the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program at CQUniversity. There is limited research to identify the factors that inhibit or enhance the male experience within this program. This research paper explores the male experience in the STEPS enabling program and identifies the challenges and obstacles that affect them. Males who were enrolled in STEPS were asked to complete a survey sharing their experience throughout their journey, both positive and negative. The findings indicate that whilst males encountered challenges along the way, they acknowledged the benefits of seeking support through the various networks available. This paper will expand on these findings in order to better understand the male experience through this enabling program. It is expected that this study will inform current teaching practice, curriculum design and promote innovative strategies that guide future program development to increase the completion rate of the male cohort.