Traineeships: a hands-on school leaver option
- Career Options for School Leavers
- Last updated 10 Jan 2020
A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience, preparing young people for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. They are perfect for school leavers looking for a more hands-on, less ‘classroom’ option.
Designed for people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience, traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, English, maths and work experience needed to secure an apprenticeship or employment.
A traineeship has three core elements.
- A high-quality work experience placement with an employer
- Work preparation training, provided by the training organisation
- English and maths support, if required, provided by the training organisation
Traineeships last anything up to a maximum of 6 months with the content tailored to the needs of the business and the individual.
Employers are not required to pay trainees for the work placement under the traineeship and traineeships are exempt from the Minimum Wage. Young people taking part in traineeships will be undertaking education and training and some may qualify for financial support, including the 16-19 Bursary Fund.
The government is encouraging employers to provide trainees with financial support to meet their travel or meal costs, but not all employers will comply.
