A new poll out today indicates that by providing opportunities for young people to develop their interview skills and get some work experience under their belts, thousands more could secure employment.
The ICM Research survey points to how Traineeships can give young people the skills employers are looking for. Over half (59%) of the employers polled said they had hired young people into entry level positions in the last five years, with 54% of these saying this was because the young recruit had prepared well for the interview.
Furthermore, two in every five of all employers surveyed said they would be more likely to recruit a young person or school leaver who had done at least six weeks’ high quality work experience.
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Traineeships were launched last year to help young people improve their employability prospects and unlock their potential. A Traineeship provides the work preparation training, work experience and support with English and maths skills needed to get an Apprenticeship or other job.
The study also suggests the introduction of Traineeships could even encourage employers to create more jobs for young people. Almost half (49%) of employers polled would consider creating a brand new role for a young person that impressed them during a work experience placement.
Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock commented: “Creating more opportunities for young people to gain experience and confidence is crucial if we want to help them secure employment. Traineeships could be the difference which gives these young people their first break, unlocking their potential and giving them the work experience employers are looking for.
“However, it’s not just about work experience, the work preparation training offered through the Traineeship such as CV writing and interview skills, together with English and maths, is of equal importance.
“It’s all part of our long term economic plan to help young people to reach their potential.”
The poll also provides employer insight into the other ways Traineeships can help young people improve their chances of securing work. It finds:
- Three quarters (74%) of employers surveyed would be more likely to recruit a young person or school leaver if they had prepared well for an interview
- Nearly half (48%) of the employers polled would be more likely to recruit a young person or school leaver if they had a good reference from an employer or training organisation
- 45% of the firms surveyed say an eye-catching and well-thought out CV would improve a young candidate’s chances of securing role.
The survey went on to show that two fifths (42%) of firms would like to do more to help young people in their area into work, whilst a further study of young people (2) highlights their eagerness to improve their employability prospects. 63% say they want to improve their confidence, whilst 57% want to increase their skills to do the job and 46% want assistance in developing skills to deal with other people.
Hundreds of employers, including the BBC, BT, Hollies Day Nursery, Port of Tilbury, Siemens and Virgin Media have already committed to helping young people through the Traineeship programme.
Chris Starling, Head of Apprenticeships at Virgin Media, explains: “Traineeships are a great opportunity for both the business and the individual. Not only can the employer get to know the trainee, but the trainee can get real exposure to the type of career that is available and make an informed decision that is best for them. Traineeships offer a great opportunity for us to harness and develop the talent of any candidate who has just missed out on being offered an Apprenticeship.”
“The first three people who completed Traineeships with us, have since been offered Intermediate Apprenticeships at Virgin Media and recruitment to the programme will continue on an ongoing basis.”
Traineeships help unlock the great potential of young people and prepare them for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. They are delivered by training organisations with the content tailored to the needs of the business and 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 they need for the workplace.
