What is a Brighter Futures Traineeship?

---

Many young people are left feeling disenfranchised at school and reluctant to follow the traditional path from school through sixth form and onto University. In some cases, schools can supress the creative instincts of students, making them conform to predetermined ideals.

---

---

Thankfully, there is now more than one route to the job market for the young people of today. Government backed Apprenticeship programmes provide an alternative to the academic route promoted by schools, giving young people the opportunity to earn a wage at the same time as gaining experience on a career path and avoiding the high levels of debt associated with attending University. The Traineeship programme is an extension of the Apprenticeship programme and is designed for people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience to access the workplace. The Brighter Futures Traineeship provides the essential employability training to secure an apprenticeship or employment and can be a useful tool for both employers and young people to find out whether they are suited to each other.

---

---

The Brighter Futures Traineeship incorporates an 11-week work placement that prepares young people for their future careers at the same time as providing employers with the opportunity to trial a prospective employee. Prior to their placement, our trainees undergo two weeks of employability training preparing them for the workplace so that they can make the best impression during their placement. At this time we also provide English and maths support if required, in line with the Government's stated goals to ensure all young people have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills while job seeking.

---

To recap, the Brighter Futures Traineeship has three core elements:

---

• Work preparation training, provided by Brighter Futures.
• English and maths support, if required, provided by the Brighter Futures.
• An 11-week, high-quality work experience placement with an employer.

---

Employers are not required to pay trainees for the work placement and Traineeships are exempt from the Minimum Wage. Young people taking part in Traineeships are undertaking education and training and some may qualify for financial support, including a Bursary Fund for those aged 19+ and qualify for support. The government and Brighter Futures encourages employers to provide trainees with support to meet meal costs and we ourselves provide support with travel costs however, employers are not duty bound to provide this support. Also, as you are not paid for your placement, you are still eligible for any benefits you may currently be in receipt of.

---

---

Traineeships: overview for young people

---

• Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.
• Those who have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or other position due to a lack of skills and experience likely to be good candidates for a traineeship.
• Traineeship opportunities are advertised regularly on find a traineeship.

---

Traineeships: overview for employers

---

• The flexibility of traineeships offers employers the opportunity to help build a pool of high quality future recruits for their sector.
• Can be a useful tool for both employers and young people to find out whether they are suited to each other.
• Brighter Futures offers free, impartial, independent advice and guidance to support employers. This includes simplifying the process of finding a trainee through the support of employer focused members of staff

---