Understanding the Traineeship Programme
Many have been forced to cut staff, leaving thousands without a job.
Elizabeth Cromwell
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Businesses in the UK have been hit hard since the UK lockdown began on the 23rd of March 2020. Many have been forced to cut staff, leaving thousands without a job.
The traineeship scheme was actually first introduced back in 2013. It provides classroom-based lessons in maths, English and CV writing, and also includes up to 90 hours of unpaid work experience. The scheme is intended to get youngsters aged between 16-24 into their first job after education, which could last from six weeks to six months.
The Treasury said, ‘Expanding traineeships will be part of a wider package to support young people and to ensure they have the skills and training to go on to high quality, secure and fulfilling employment.’
Under the new £111m scheme, which is set to start in September 2020, businesses in England will be given a £1,000 grant if they take on a trainee, as part of the government's response to reducing youth unemployment.
An employer does not have to pay for the traineeship; the cost of the training is provided directly from the government to the providers. It’s important to remember that a traineeship is not a job, but a training programme. Whilst employers are not expected to pay the trainee, they can still help them financially, by covering their expenses, for example.
Who can apply for the traineeship?
- Those eligible to work in England
- Those motivated to work, with or without experience
- Those aged 16-24 and qualified up to level 3
The trainee will receive:
- Training to prepare them for work, including CV writing and firsthand experience of what they can expect when in the workplace
- Support for those who want to improve their English, maths, and digital skills
- Industry-focused learning to help prepare the trainee for an apprenticeship or job, with proof of learning
After the traineeship has ended, the employee is expected to interview the trainee for an apprenticeship or job, should either be available at that point. If there are no opportunities, the employer should provide an exit interview with written feedback.
Not sure how a trainee can help your business?
Even Amazon uses interns. Take a look at ‘How Amazon interns are building the future, from home.’ With tens of thousands of unemployed 16-24 year-olds, imagine what this ‘helping hand’ could do for your business and the experience you could give to them in return.
For more information, follow the link below or visit the government website, where you will find further details concerning the criteria and eligibility of the traineeships’ scheme.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/traineeship-information-for-employers
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