Traineeships

This note provides background on traineeships: what they are, what they entail, how they are funded, and guidance for prospective employers and providers.

A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience whose focus is on helping young people become ready for work or for an apprenticeship. They can last from 6 weeks up to 6 months.

The Government has announced that funding will be provided to triple the number of traineeships in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Traineeships are aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who:

• Are unemployed and have little or no work experience, in particular those who have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or job due to a lack of skills.
• Qualified below level three (A-Level equivalent).
• Providers and employers believe have a reasonable chance of being ready for employment or an apprenticeship within six months of starting a traineeship.

Trainees will receive training to prepare them for work and if needed support to improve English and maths.

Traineeships are free, but trainees do not get paid. Some expenses may be paid.

Expansion of traineeship scheme

The traineeship scheme will be expanded in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the expected increase in youth unemployment.

The Government has announced that it will pay employers £1,000 for every new trainee they take on, and eligibility is going be expanded to also include those with level three qualifications.

An additional £111 million will be provided to fund this, which will provide funding to triple the number of trainees.