Traineeships

What is a traineeship?

A traineeship is a work preparation education and training programme with an integrated work experience scheme and incorporates Maths and English tuition and support for those lacking the required grades.

The course does not only get 16 to 24 year olds work-ready but is often used as a ‘stepping-stone’ or ‘back-door’ avenue towards an apprenticeship or full-time job if you impress the employer. So if you do well, there may even be a opportunity for job/apprenticeship at the end of your traineeship.

It can last anything from 6 weeks to 6 months. There are no fees to be paid. Most traineeships do not pay a salary but may cover your travel and food costs. You may be able to apply for funding with the 16-19 Bursary Fund or Universal Credit.

To qualify, you need to be

• eligible to work in the UK
• keen and motivated to work
• unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week
• having little or no work experience
• aged 16 to 24 with
• having no qualifications above level 2 (GCSE/N5 or equivalent

The 3 Core Components of a Traineeship

•On-the-job Work Experience Placement

•Work Preparation Training

•English & Maths Tuition/Support •(if required)

On-the-job Work Experience Placement – A crucial opportunity to get hands on practical experience with an established employer. Develop quality employability and transferrable skills in a professional environment with experienced

Work Preparation Training – covers everything from writing CVs, cover letters, completing application forms to interview preparation. Most courses also include soft skills such as time management, planning, organising with applications for jobs and school leaver schemes.

English & Maths Tuition/Support (if required) –for those who do not have the right grades – focus on helping you achieve Maths & English GCSE or Functional Skills Literacy & Numeracy passes.

How do I apply?

A lot of traineeship positions are advertised on websites such as:

• Find a traineeship
• All About School-leavers
• Rate My Apprenticeship
• Get My First Job (www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk).

You can also apply for traineeships directly with training providers and employers. The majority of training providers/employers who recruit traineeship candidates tend to be also apprenticeship providers.

When can I apply?

It varies with each employer. There are generally employers taking on traineeship candidates at any given time throughout the whole year.

Do I get any qualifications?

It varies with the training provider / employer. You may be able to do a Level 1 Award in Employability Skills through OCR / NCE / City & Guilds. Check with your employer / training provider. In addition, if you still need to pass English and Maths, you will have the opportunity to work towards vocational qualifications such as Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English or your GCSE Maths and English. You may also have a chance of attending various employability and work preparation workshops to improve your CV, cover letter, application and interview preparation techniques.

OCR Award in Employability Skills 

Key modules:

• Employability
• Being Entrepreneurial
• Digital Employability
• Personal Life Skills
• Other transferable skills

City & Guilds Award in Employability Skills 

Key modules:

• Planning for progression
• Managing personal finance
• Work-based experience
• Effective communication
• Career planning and making applications
• Interview skills
• Searching for a job
• Career progression

How does a traineeship differ to an apprenticeship or work experience?

Am I guaranteed of a job/apprenticeship after the traineeship?

You are not guaranteed of a job/apprenticeship at the end of a Traineeship. However, a lot of employers use traineeships as a way to ‘try before you hire’ candidates. Those who impress stand a higher chance of an Apprenticeship contract or full-time job. However, if this doesn’t happen, you’ll still walk away with invaluable experience, training and quality work-related skills, which are highly valued by most employers.

Why you should consider a traineeship!

“I loved every second of the traineeship. It helped me become work ready and even secured an apprenticeship contract at the end of traineeship!” – Recent Trainee

“Our traineeships are highly flexible programmes that recognise that every young person is different, and thus requires a different level of training designed to cater for specific needs of each individual” – Employer

 “Over 50% of Traineeship trainees progress into an apprenticeship or other employment, and a further 17% undertake further education” – Department of Education

“I didn’t have confidence in my skills and was lacking hands-on work experience, making me unemployable. I received on-the-job training during my traineeship as well as completing a useful OCR’s employability qualification. I was also fortunate to be selected to carry on as an apprentice, and now I even train other trainees” – Past Trainee

Why choose to enrol on a traineeship

• A smart pathway towards an apprenticeship or full-time job
• An opportunity to gain real work skills and experience to make yourself more employable / work-ready and boost your CV
• A chance to gain essential employability qualifications and skills plus to better your Maths & English grades
• Local, flexible and tailored to candidate needs
• A flexible chance to try a job /profession before making a long-term commitment
• An ‘cool’ opportunity to upskill yourself whilst showcasing to a real employer your potential, determination and passion.

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