School Leavers to Undergo Training Program Aimed at Boosting Skills

The government is set to launch traineeships intended to have young people between the ages of 16 and 24 ready for work. The six-month programme will teach the necessary job skills and experience that will enable school leavers to take advantage of full apprenticeships and opportunities for employment.

The programme focuses on CV writing, preparing for interviews, job searching and enhancing applicants’ inter-personal skills. Young people taking part will be given work experience placements. Trainees unable to get at least a grade of C in maths and English will also receive additional instruction in the three-Rs.

The government initiative came after business leaders and owners observed poor skills in numeracy, literacy, communication and problem-solving from their applicants or employees who are school leavers, as revealed by an education and skills survey published in 2012 by the CBI. The report found 61% of employers unsatisfied with school leaver’s self-management skills, 35% unsatisfied with literacy skills and 30% with numeracy skills.

It is also hoped that the number of teenagers currently not in education, employment or training (NEETs) will be reduced following the traineeship.
According to Skills Minister Matthew Hancock: “We want to support everyone in our country to reach their personal best. To do that, we are introducing Traineeships to help young people with the skills they need to get, and hold down, a job.

“Traineeships will give young people the helping hand and experience they need to compete for apprenticeships and good jobs.”

The programme could be ready to accept trainees by September this year. It will be conducted in a combination of locations such as colleges and work-based training centres.

The government has just published a discussion paper laying down its “vision” about the training scheme. It is expected that employers and training providers will be giving their comment on the proposals before the full details of the programme are set for release at the latter part of the year.