It is a failure in our society that some young people find themselves feeling there is no job for them. The tragedy is all the greater when no one is prepared to give them a break.
Recent research established part of the reason why employers are less willing to take a chance on someone new – many young people lack the skills and experience that employers demand in the workplace.
There are some pretty basic things in the list, including a reasonable grasp of maths and English, but also being able to work in a team and to deal with others in a business context. Faced with such gaps in knowledge and experience, employees feel disinclined to risk a new hire.
The traineeship, a new scheme for 16-24 year olds, was devised to bridge the gaps.
Traineeships last a maximum of six months with the goal of encouraging trainees to continue their development through an apprenticeship. They are a kind of feeder to the apprenticeship scheme specifically aimed at young people who might otherwise struggle to win the confidence of employers.
As an employer you are expected to provide an appropriate work placement opportunity. In turn, West Suffolk College provides work preparation training, English and maths support if required, and a more flexible component of additional training designed to match the needs of your employment setting or industry.
The scheme is a low risk opportunity for employers to access potential, while at the same time helping young people acquire the skills and the incentive to get going on a career.
If you’d like to know more about the possibilities of hiring a trainee for your business, please speak to us.