What is a Traineeship?

1
All young people undertaking a Traineeship will be required to study English and maths, unless they have achieved a GCSE A* - C in those subjects
or, for those aged 19 -23, a GCSE A*- C in those subjects or a functional skills qualification at Level 2.
2
A full Level 2 qualification is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C and a full Level 3 qualification is equivalent to 2 or more ‘A’ level passes.
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Is a Traineeship for me?
This document is intended to help you decide whether you might be a
suitable candidate for a Traineeship. It also includes advice on how to
get onto a Traineeship and where to go for more information.

What is a Traineeship?
A Traineeship is an education and
training programme with work
experience that is focused on
giving young people the skills and
experience that employers are
looking for. At its core are work
preparation training, English and
maths for those who need it, and a
high quality work experience
placement.

Traineeships last anything from six
weeks to a maximum of six months
with the content tailored to your
individual needs, including:
− Work preparation training which
ensures you are ready and
have the confidence to take the
first step in your career, such
as an Apprenticeship.
− English and maths
1
support to
help give you the literacy and
numeracy skills needed for the
workplace.
− A meaningful work experience
placement which provides
insight and experience of the
world of work.

What are the benefits of a
Traineeship?
− A Traineeship will put you in a
better position to compete for
an Apprenticeship or other job.
− The opportunity to build your
CV and get vital experience
with local and national
employers.
− Improving your English and
maths skills will boost your
chances of getting a job, as
well as improving your long
term prospects and earning
potential over your lifetime.
− Employers are at the centre of
Traineeships to ensure they
give you the skills you need to
secure a job and succeed in
employment.
− At the end of the work
experience placement you’ll get
a job interview with the
company if a role becomes
available or a reference and an
exit interview.

Will I be paid?
Work experience placements are
unpaid, but employers are
encouraged to support expenses
such as transport and meals and
depending on your circumstances
you may be able to access
financial support from your training
provider, through the 16-19
Bursary Fund or the 19+
Discretionary Learner Support
Fund. All training costs are funded
by the Government.

Is a Traineeship right for me?
Traineeships are an ideal
opportunity for young people who
are motivated to get a job but who
lack the skills and experience that
employers are looking for. If you
have been unsuccessfully applying
for Apprenticeships due to a lack
of skills and experience then you
might be a good candidate for a
Traineeship.

You could be suitable for a
Traineeship if you:
− are unemployed (or work less
than 16 hours per week) and
have little work experience;
− are motivated to work;
− are aged 16 - 18 inclusive and
are qualified below Level 3 OR
are aged 19 - 23 inclusive and
are qualified below full Level 2
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A Traineeship is probably not right
for you if you:
− already have the skills and
experience needed to find an
Apprenticeship or work;
− are aged 24 plus (unless you
are subject to Learning
Difficulty Assessments and are
aged 16 or over and under 25)
− are already in a job

You can use the chart on the
following page to help decide
whether a Traineeship i s right
for you.

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The age range ’16 -18’ refers to individuals aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the funding year in which they start. The age range ’19 -23’ refers to
individuals aged 19 or older on the 31 August in the funding year that they start but are not aged 24 or older.
*
Traineeships will also be available to young people who are aged 16 or over and under 25 who are subject to Learning Difficulty Assessments.
** For the purposes of Traineeships ‘employed’ is defined as an individual who has a contract of employment. However, the individual is not classified as
employed if they work fewer than 16 hours a week.
***Traineeships are designed for people who have had little exposure to the workplace. If you have significant paid or unpaid work experience then a
Traineeship might not be right for you. If you are unsure you can contact the National Careers Service for advice on 0800 100 900
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Traineeships decision tree
How old are you?
16-18
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inclusive
Do you have a
full level 2
qualification?
Do you have a
full level 3
qualification?


No
Are you currentl y employed
and working more than
16 hours per week? **
Do you have prior
work experience?
***

No
Do you think you will be ready
for employment or an
Apprenticeship within six
months?
No
Yes
A Traineeship is
probabl y not the right
route for you. To
discuss your training
and employment
options please
contact the National
Careers Service on
0800 100 900
24 Plus
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*
Under 16
Traineeships are only
available to people
aged 16 - 23 inclusive
at the start of the
programme. Contact
your school career
adviser for advice on
the options available
to you.
19-23
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inclusive
No
A Traineeship could be the right
option for you. Visit
apprenticeships.org.uk or call
08000 150 600 to find out more
Yes
Yes
No
Yes

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How do I find a Traineeship?
Now that you’ve determined that a
Traineeship could be the right
route for you, there are three
options available:


1. Traineeship opportunities will
be advertised regularly on the
National Apprenticeship
Service website
apprenticeships.org.uk.

2. Contact your local college or
training provider to see if they
are offering Traineeship
opportunities. A list of providers
who are eligible to deliver
Traineeships is available at
skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/
providers/programmes/trainees
hips.

3. If you are in receipt of benefits
you should speak to your
individual J obcentre Plus
adviser.
What if I’m still unsure whether a
Traineeship is right for me?
If you would like to discuss your
education and career options
please contact the National
Careers Service, a free service
which supports, encourages and
inspires people at every stage of
their working life, providing the
right tools and advising on the right
steps to take at the right time.
Search online for ‘National Careers
Service’ or call 0800 100 900.

Traineeships are a stepping
stone to future success for
young peopl e, businesses and
the wider economy. Visit
apprenticeships.org.uk or call
08000 150 600 to find out how
Traineeships can help you get
ready for work.