For those who are not going on to do A-levels, a new government scheme has been set up to help get them into the workplace.
Available since the beginning of August, Traineeships offer young people work, training, an opportunity to improve their English and Maths and a high quality work placement.
Traineeships are a valuable additional option for school leavers wanting a job or an apprenticeship, especially those who might be feeling down about their results.
The
Association of Employment and Learning Providers(
AELP) is advising young people interested in Traineeships to contact local training providers.
“It is a programme that
AELPhelped develop and something we have wanted for a long time,” says
Chief Executive Stewart Segal.
“It is a preparation programme for young people who have not got a lot of experience of the world of work.
“Put simply it is work experience built into a programme of learning.
“That combination of learning basic vocational and employability skills with real experience of work is key to making the breakthrough into the workplace.
“Hopefully participants in the programme will move onto apprenticeships, but that is not the only destination.
“There may be other jobs where there is no apprenticeship available, and a Traineeship gets them into work, or indeed more fulltime study.
“There are more young people wanting to do apprenticeships than there are opportunities, and we hope Traineeships will be a bridge between the two.”
The scheme, which is open to 16 to 24 year olds, delivers a tailor-made package of support that will give young people the confidence, skills and experience to compete in the labour market with more experienced adults.
For employers, especially SMEs, the scheme gives them a flavour of what it is like to employ a young person in a low risk way. Taking on an apprentice is a big commitment, especially for a small company.
“The programme is very flexible so it can be short term to engage people, up to a period of six months,” explains Segal.
“It could also go on longer if some participants had not completed some of their training programmes, particularly in English and Maths. We would not want to see it come to a halt after six months if there is more learning to do.”
He added: “We are pushing on an open door with employers who are committed to generating opportunities for young people. Having said that training providers need to take the hassle out of the system and make it easier for in particular small employers to take part.”
Segal’s advice for GSCE students who don’t know what to do next is to go to a training provider. “A lot of them will be publicising their programmes.”
The initiative is part of the Government’s plan to ensure the future workforce possesses the skills that employers want in their apprentices and employees.
Skills Minister Matthew Hancocksaid:
“We want to support everyone in our country to reach their personal best. To do that, we are introducing traineeships to help young people with the skills they need to get a job, and hold down a job.
“That’s vital for our economy to compete in the global race. And it’s a question of fairness.
“Traineeships will give young people the helping hand and experience they need to compete for apprenticeships and good jobs.”