Hundreds of employers are now behind traineeships, helping to unlock the potential of motivated young people who are not yet work-ready. And the government is urging even more employers to get involved to help 16-23 year olds gain the vital work experience needed in order to get an apprenticeship or other job.
 
Launched last year, traineeships give unemployed young people work preparation training and work experience as well as English and maths qualifications. And employers including Siemens, the Port of Tilbury and Virgin Media have already committed to traineeships.
 
The Port of Tilbury in Essex has announced that it will triple the number of trainees it takes on, from 20 in 2013 to at least 60 in 2014.  The majority of the Port of Tilbury’s existing trainees, many from areas with traditionally high levels of youth unemployment, have gone on to start apprenticeships and other permanent full-time positions after impressing on their traineeship. The work by the Port of Tilbury was recently recognised in the Thurrock Civic Awards where they won the Business in the Community award.
 
Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock MP said:
“We introduced traineeships to unlock the great potential of young people. Employers involved in the programme are now helping their trainees to develop the skills that are required in the workplace. They can then build on this and begin their career with an Apprenticeship or other sustainable job. With National Apprenticeship Week starting next week (3-7 March 2014), there has never been a better time to start thinking about offering a traineeship or an apprenticeship.”
 
Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Tilbury said:  “Traineeships are a significant part of our recruitment strategy. Like apprenticeships, traineeships are a means to invest in the future of our business and to ensure we have the skilled workforce we need for the future. Our announcement today is a result of the importance we place on our traineeship programme and we hope to increase our trainees to 60 this year.

"As well as helping improve the prospects of young people in our local community in Thurrock, traineeships are vital in bringing fresh talent into the port and addressing the local skills shortage. Our ultimate aim is to offer suitable trainees an Apprenticeship or other job at the port.”
 
Traineeships are delivered by training providers with the content tailored to the needs of the business and the individual. Employers can visit bitly.com/Traineeships2014 to find out how they can take on their first trainee and help develop talented young people with the practical skills for the workplace.