College calls on employers to utilise new Traineeships

Walsall College is calling on local businesses to help unemployed young people stay job-focussed through a new scheme that acts as a bridge between work placements and apprenticeships.

Traineeships encourage employers to offer a workplace trial to a potential apprentice. They can also be used to provide bespoke work experience to specific individuals.

Assistant Principal, James Norris said: “As unemployment among 16-25 year-olds continues to rise, there is a risk that a long term lack of exposure to the workplace will in turn lead to businesses experiencing further skills shortages and recruitment challenges in future.”

The college has developed three core traineeships.  These are in trades (construction and manufacturing), care and allied health as well as in business support and people services. They combine a work placement with college-led distance/e-learning and practical sessions.

Employers who provide work placement opportunities for these programmes may also receive an incentive payment of £1,000 per learner, for up to 10 learners (2020/2021 only).

James Norris added: “The flexible nature of traineeships means they can match employer needs.  They can support productivity and growth while ensuring the trainee has the chance to familiarise themselves with key business operations, potentially becoming a future employee or supply chain member.

“If you have been, or are now in a position where you are restructuring your workforce and could benefit from new help, either in the short or long-term, then a traineeship is a viable option.”

Find out more about Walsall College’s traineeships, here.