Traineeships

In 2013, the Westminster government introduced Traineeships for people aged 16-24. They are not the same as apprenticeships and can last between six weeks and six months. Traineeships are not jobs, and are exempt from the National Minimum Wage (see Chapter 4). There is no obligation for a Traineeship to be paid but Trainees may be eligible for state benefits. Traineeships must include at least three core components: a work experience placement lasting between 100 and 240 hours; work preparation training; and English and Maths training for those without GCSE Grade C or above, or equivalent.

In addition, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the government launched its Kickstart Scheme — a funding scheme to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit at risk of long term unemployment.