Apprenticeships and Traineeships are two government programmes aiming to equip young people in England with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to enter the workforce.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a kind of education, training, and work experience programme that helps young people prepare for professions. They were first available to 16–23-year-olds in August 2013 and then to 16–24-year-olds in 2014. (inclusive).
They are made available in partnership with companies and training providers. The training material is customised to the young person’s needs, although all young people who have not yet achieved GCSEs in English or maths must do so as part of the programme. They typically last six months and need 100 – 240 hours of work experience.
Apprenticeships, traineeships, and internships are all members of the same family. They are designed to provide learners with the skills and work experience required to get an apprenticeship or a job.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available in various sectors and at three levels: intermediate, advanced, and higher. Higher-level apprenticeships are equivalent to anything from a higher education certificate to a master’s degree. An apprenticeship enables you to earn, study, and develop, and if you have a strong interest in a specific industry, it may be a great way to get your career started.
Apprenticeships typically run one to four years, with higher-level apprenticeships, such as the solicitor’s apprenticeship, lasting even longer.
The main difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is the level of commitment needed. With an apprenticeship, the employer agrees to employ the person for the length of the apprenticeship, and after that, all parties must agree to end the contract.
The business decides to hire the young person for the length of the traineeship, but the contract may be cancelled at any time by filling out a cancellation form.
The other difference is what happens if the business is sold while the traineeship or apprenticeship is still in effect. If this occurs during an apprenticeship, the new employer must keep the apprentice; however, no such obligation exists with a traineeship.
The other notable distinction is in compensation. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship are paid a minimum of £4.81 per hour, but learners are excluded. They may, however, be eligible for financial aid through a bursary.