Department For Education
From 1 August 2023, we will no longer fund a standalone national traineeships programme. Traineeships can continue to be offered as part of our general skills offer.
The last start date for traineeships under the current programme is 31 July 2023. We will be writing to current traineeship providers with further information on this change.
Read the written ministerial statement on the skills update from Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education.
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship is a course that includes a work experience placement and helps young people prepare for employment or an apprenticeship.
Traineeships must include at least 70 hours of work experience placement. They can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, but most last less than 6 months.
Who can apply
A traineeship is for young people who are:
- eligible to work in England
- have little or no work experience but are motivated to work
- aged 16 to 24, or 25 with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, and qualified up to level 3
If the applicant isnt suitable for a traineeship:
- offer them an alternative course
- refer them to the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900
Offer a traineeship
You can create traineeship vacancies in your apprenticeship service account and advertise them on Find a traineeship.
When offering a traineeship, you need to:
- organise a meaningful and high-quality traineeship
- ensure the safety of trainees during their training and work placement
- organise with an employer a minimum of 70 hours of work experience with an employer (if the trainee claims benefits, the placement cannot last longer than 240 hours)
- provide work preparation training based on trainee and employer needs
- provide English, maths and digital support if needed
- encourage young people to participate and develop their skills
- include optional sector focussed technical and professional qualifications to help the learner prepare for occupational standards within apprenticeships
You can get support to deliver work experience for people with learning difficulties or disabilities from Access to Work.
Financial support for trainees
Trainees may be eligible for financial support including:
- travel and meal costs
- childcare costs
- disability support
- from their Jobcentre if they are receiving welfare benefits
Explore the topic
ESFA funded 16 to 18 traineeships
Adult education budget funding and performance management rules 2018 to 2019
Last updated 12 December 2022 +show all updates
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The page has been updated to reflect changes to the traineeships programme from 1 August 2023.
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Added information on how to create traineeship vacancies.
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Updated to include: new traineeship extended duration, participation widened to those with level 3 qualifications, digital skills as an option, the number of minimum hours for work placement, incentive payments and selling points of the traineeship.
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First published.