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The TUC and CBI have today (Friday) marked the first anniversary of the government’s Traineeships programme by signing a joint statement of support for those wanting to take part in the scheme.

The TUC and CBI have today (Friday) marked the first anniversary of the government’s Traineeships programme by signing a joint statement of support for those wanting to take part in the scheme.

Both the TUC and CBI support Traineeships as a way to get young people, who might otherwise struggle to gain a foothold in the labour market, into an apprenticeship or other job. They provide young unemployed people with an opportunity to undertake work experience placements alongside substantial, structured learning at a training provider, including working towards maths and English qualifications.

However, for Traineeships to genuinely help young people into work they need to be high quality. The joint statement stresses the importance of trainees learning relevant, transferrable skills, having a proper induction into the workplace and receiving regular feedback from managers.

TUC Assistant General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Traineeships can be an important first step towards the world of work for young people who are not ready to start an Apprenticeship or find a job.

“Traineeships must include good training and work experience and it is vital that trainees are fairly treated. They should also be voluntary – young people should not face sanctions if for some reason places are not taken up. 

“The TUC encourages employers to pay travel and meal expenses, as well as providing financial support, where compatible with a young person’s benefit entitlement.

“The principles set out in today’s statement should guide employers when designing high quality Traineeships."

CBI Deputy Director-General Katja Hall said: “While the economic recovery is starting to reach young people, levels of youth unemployment in the UK are still worryingly high. Giving school and college leavers the opportunity to learn about the world of work, improve their skills and gain experience is vital if we are to address this crucial issue.

“As well as improving core skills like maths and English, Traineeships can give young people the chance to develop a real understanding of what is expected in the workplace, and what it takes to succeed. I hope our joint statement provides individual employers with the reassurance that well-designed Traineeships are supported by both the business community and the trade unions.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Traineeships are already proving a great stepping stone into Apprenticeships and other jobs, so I am delighted the TUC and CBI have come together to support the scheme. It is essential for employers to make sure that trainees have a high quality experience and gain valuable skills that will benefit them for their whole careers.

“Household names such as BT, the BBC and Siemens have already got involved alongside many smaller employers. This agreement should encourage even more businesses to sign up and provide opportunities for young people to gain the work experience and knowledge needed to begin their careers.”


NOTES TO EDITORS:
The full text of the joint statement on Traineeships is below
The Government have developed Traineeships to give young people the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workplace.
The Traineeship programme is supported by both the TUC and the CBI.  Good quality Traineeships have the potential to provide young people, who might otherwise struggle to enter the labour market, with a route into an Apprenticeship or other sustainable employment, and can help businesses attract and develop enthusiastic young men and women. Traineeships are a collaboration between a young person, an employer and a training provider, working together to develop the skills and competencies needed to flourish in the workplace.
Traineeships should be high quality learning opportunities.  Like other forms of work experience, they should:
- set clear goals and expectations;
- provide Trainees with an induction and regular feedback;
- help Trainees develop relevant, transferable skills; and
- create opportunities which add to (rather than replace) existing staff
Careers guidance delivered by the provider should ensure that Traineeships are tailored to the needs of individual trainees and the labour market.
Although employers are not required to pay Trainees, they may provide allowances or cover expenses (such as transport or meals) for Trainees. Where the young person is on benefits, training providers will be able to liaise with Jobcentre Plus to ensure that the provision of any financial support is compatible with the young person's benefit entitlement.

- More information on the Traineeship programme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traineeships-programme 
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews
- Congress 2014 will be held in the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool, from Sunday 7 September to Wednesday 10 September. Free media passes can be obtained by visiting www.tuc.org.uk/media-credentials and completing an online form. Applications must be in by noon on Wednesday 27 August. Any received later than that will be processed in Liverpool and will cost £75.

Contacts:
TUC Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth    T: 020 7467 1372    M: 07717 531150     E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Tim Nichols   T: 020 7467 1337   M: 07876 452902   E: tnichols@tuc.org.uk
CBI Media enquiries:
Chris Grummett   T: 0207 395 8239   E: christopher.grummett@cbi.org.uk

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