Traineeship

What's a traineeship?

It's an education and training programme with work experience that aims to give young people the skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Traineeships are centred around work preparation training, english and maths support for those who need it, and a high quality work experience placement to provide insight and experience of the world of work.

Who can undertake one?

Traineeships are for young people who want to get a job or apprenticeship, but haven’t yet got the skills or experience that employers are looking for.

If your son or daughter is:

• Unemployed.
   
• Has little work experience.
   
• Is aged between 16 and 18 years old and does not yet have a Level 3 qualification.
   
• or is aged between 19 and 23 and has not achieved a Level 2 qualification then a traineeship could be what they’re looking for.

A Traineeship can also be helpful if your son or daughter has been applying for apprenticeships and has not been successful.

Where can you undertake one?

• At any employer with a traineeship vacancy. Your son or daughter will be required to attend training at a college or training centre alongside a work experience placement with an employer.
   
• At any one time there are around 50 Traineeship vacancies in Staffordshire.
   
• You can search online for current Traineeships vacancies.
   
• Sometimes, vacancies are advertised on college or training provider websites too.

Are there any costs?

You should not be asked to contribute to the cost of your son or daughter taking an Traineeship.

If your son or daughter is aged 16-18 years, The Education Funding Agency (EFS) or Skills Funding Agency (SFA) will cover the full cost of their training with the employer. If they are aged 19-24, the EFS or SFA will cover 50% of the cost and the employer would be expected to cover the other 50%.

Traineeships are unpaid training programmes with work experience placements. Some employers may contribute towards travel costs and meals whilst your son or daughter is on a work placement with them but they don’t have to.

Depending on your circumstances, your son or daughter may be able to apply to the 16-19 Bursary Fund or the 19+ Discretionary Learner Support Fund for some financial support.

How long does it take?

Traineeships can take from six weeks to a maximum of six months to complete. They include work experience placement(s) lasting between 100-240 hours.

How do you apply?

You can register online to find out what Traineeship vacancies are available, but you should also contact your local college or training provider.

Where to next?

Traineeships prepare young people for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’.

Traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, Maths and English and work experience needed to get an Apprenticeship or other job. When the Traineeship has been completed the employer will offer either an interview for a position or Apprenticeship within the company (if there’s one available) or an exit interview and a reference.

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