Work placement and internship programmes should always include an element of formal training. This is the verdict of 95 per cent of HR and learning and development (L&D) professionals in a survey by the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition.
The organisers of the UK’s premier learning event, which takes place on 2 and 3 October at The NEC Birmingham, found that the majority of HR experts support formal training to ensure that both the provider and intern gain maximum value from the placement.
Less than one per cent (0.6%) disagreed with this approach to work placements and internships.
Paul Warner, Director of Employment and Skills at The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), comments:
“Internships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to harness new talent. They can have a positive impact on the practical skills that the workforce needs now and in the future. Formal training will serve to motivate interns and provide them with some of the skills they need for their career.”
Andrew Gee, Senior Project Manager at Venture Marketing Group, the organisers of the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition, comments on the survey:
“It is encouraging that so many HR and L&D professionals recognise that providing formal training will benefit both the trainee and the employer.
“With so many interns and apprentices being paid little or almost nothing, formal training is something of real value that will provide an additional benefit to the intern alongside the work experience.”
The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition takes place on 2 and 3 October at The NEC, Birmingham. The UK’s premier learning event is held in association with the British Institute for Learning & Development and is supported by the following associations and industry titles: Personnel Today, HR Magazine, Training Journal, Changeboard, TrainingZone.co.uk, the eLearning Network, PersonnelZone.com and Learning Magazine. A new event partner is The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), a sector-led body formed to accelerate quality improvement, increase participation and raise standards and achievement in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector in England.
