Mercedes-Benz, General Motors and Brompton Bicycles are among the manufacturers backing the governments new traineeships programme, announced today.
More than 100 employers across the country – large and small – have committed to being part of the traineeships programme and many more are being encouraged to sign up.
The government has published a framework for delivery which sets out how traineeships will work. It takes on board the views of more than 450 responses to the traineeships discussion paper published in January 2013.
The traineeships will provide:
* Work preparation training such as interview preparation and CV writing.
* Offer training in English and maths.
* Include a high-quality work placement (between six weeks and five months).
* Last a maximum of six months.
* Include training from providers who are rated “Outstanding” or “Good” by Ofsted to ensure a high-quality programme.
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said the introduction of traineeships will aid young people looking to build a career.
“Young people in Britain deserve the chance to work and get on in life which is why we’re introducing traineeships to help them get on the first rung of the ladder,” he said.
“Employers value real experience which is why I’m delighted that more than 100 businesses have come forward. I now want to urge more employers – no matter what size – to sign up to the programme and make the most of the talents of our young people.”
Mr Hancock added: “This is vital for our economy to compete in the global race. Traineeships are just one of the ways this government is making sure young people cross the start line.”
Helen Taylor, Apprenticeship Programme Operations Manager at Mercedes-Benz, said: “We have a large number of young people apply for our apprenticeship positions each year yet there were still some vacancies we were unfortunately unable to fill.
“Many of those candidates would have benefitted from a vocational programme such as a traineeship, giving them the confidence plus some experience to demonstrate they are ready to make the move from education to employment,” she added.
