Traineeships

What is a traineeship?

Traineeships are an opportunity to gain real work experience, job skills and improve your English and maths, if needed. The programme can last up to a maximum of six months with the content tailored to your individual career needs. At its core are a high-quality work experience placement, work preparation training, and English and maths if needed 1 . Traineeships give young people aged 16 to 24 the skills and experience that employers are looking for, helping you to boost your careers prospects with an apprenticeship or other employment in the future.

What are the benefits of a traineeship?

Traineeships have been developed in response to research showing that young people frequently lack the knowledge and experience employers expect in the workplace. Traineeships will help to tackle this problem, while benefiting you in the following ways: − The opportunity to build your CV and get valuable work experience with local and national employers, where you are able to learn about the business and the industry it operates in. − Work preparation training will put you in a better position to compete for an apprenticeship or other employment. − Maths and English support, if needed, to help you with the literacy and numeracy skills needed to boost your career prospects, as well as improving your long-term chances and earning potential over your lifetime. − Employers are at the centre of the work experience, which ensures you are ‘work ready’, and have the confidence to take the first step to securing employment and kick starting your career. − At the end of your work experience you’ll get an interview with the company if a role is available or an exit interview, together with meaningful written feedback, to help you secure an apprenticeship or other employment.

Is a traineeship right for me?

Traineeships are ideal if you are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for. If you have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or other job due to a lack of skills and experience then you are likely to be a good candidate for a traineeship. You could be suitable if you are: − Motivated to work. − Unemployed, or work fewer than 16 hours per week and have little work experience. − Aged between 16-24 and qualified below Level 3 A traineeship is probably not right for you if you: − Already have the skills and experience needed to find an apprenticeship or work. − Are 25 years old or older − Are already employed You can use the chart on the following page to help decide whether a traineeship is right for you.

Will I be paid?

Employers are not required to pay you for taking part in a traineeship but may support you with expenses such as transport and meals. The work placement is a real opportunity to gain meaningful work experience. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to access financial support from your training provider, for example travel and childcare costs or if you need extra support due to a disability. If you are receiving welfare benefits your Jobcentre may be able to financially support you. Training costs will be met by government funding

How do I find a traineeship?

Now that you’ve determined a traineeship could be the right route for you, there are three options available:

1. Traineeship opportunities are advertised regularly on Find a Traineeship on GOV.UK.

2. You can apply to you local college or training provider through UCASPROGRESS