New Traineeship to Help Young People into Apprenticeships and Employment Announced

First published on Thu, January 10, 2013.

Skills Minister Matt Hancock today set out new plans for a Government Traineeship Programme to help young people in England aged 18-24 prepare for the world of work.

The programme, which will be funded by the Department for Education and BIS, will offer a flexible and tailored programme of work placements, lessons in English and maths, CV writing tips and interview preparation for young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). It is expected that the traineeship will last six months, and will allow young people to progress into apprenticeships or employment.

The prevalence of NEETs is, in part, a response to long-term structural changes in the economy which have reduced the opportunities for entry-level employment. Employers consistently indicate that young people are not always work-ready, and many lack basic literacy and numeracy skills.

In terms of delivery, education and training providers will be encouraged to manage the development of traineeships for young people in partnership with local employers. Employers and employer organisations will be able to develop traineeship models and submit proposals for funding of these through the Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot.

It is not yet clear how young people on traineeships will be supported financially, although the Skills Minister has indicated that there may be scope for further integration between the skills system and the benefits system in the future.