Member Article

Principle differences between traineeships and apprenticeships

Being centred on finding young people employment through work-based training, there are undoubtedly some similarities between traineeships and apprenticeships. Though despite this fundamental parallel, both trainee and apprentice programmes are distinct programmes, which both have their unique criteria, stipulations, goals and advantages.

If you’re an employer unsure whether to get involved with a traineeship or apprenticeship scheme, or a young person confused about what the two different programmes involve, the following points about the principle differences between traineeships and apprenticeships may iron out a few uncertainties.

Traineeships

Traineeships were created in order to assist 16 – 23 year olds, who had not yet joined the jobs market, to find employment. A traineeship programme involves a youngster participating in work experience, training in preparation for work, as well as gaining their Maths and English qualifications.

It is important to note that a traineeship can act as a prelude into an apprenticeship or job and is designed to help youngsters find either permanent employment or to progress on an apprenticeship programme.

The duration of traineeships are typically notably shorter than apprenticeships, lasting up to a maximum of six months, contrasting to apprenticeships which can go on for years.

Another fundamental difference between the two is the fact traineeships may also be unpaid, though this is under the employer’s discretion and it should be noted, as All About School Leavers informs, the government is encouraging employers to offer some kind of financial compensation in order to meet expenses such as travel and meals.

Training for work preparation

One of the primary purposes of traineeships is to prepare young people for work. Throughout the scheme learners will learn vital work preparation skills, such as CV creation, building interview skills, improving confidence, team building skills, career planning, as well as exploring various work opportunities.

Work experience

Traineeships are focused on providing 16 – 24 year olds with vital work experience. The participating employer will help the trainee learn valuable and necessary skills in order to apply them in their chosen vocational field.

A traineeship assessor assesses the trainee to make sure he/she is picking up the skills required in a specific vocation.

English and Maths

Another unique component of traineeships is that they require participants which do not have a grade A – C in GCSE Maths and English or a Functional Skill Level 2, to carry out qualifications in English and Maths during the training scheme.

Benefits of hiring a trainee

There are a multitude of benefits of taking on an apprentice and a trainee, many of which overlap. For example, becoming involved in both trainee and apprentice schemes means an employer is proactively helping the community by giving youngsters an effective pathway from education into employment.

Another mutual advantage of both programmes is that they give employers control over the skills they acquire. By training an individual in a specific way, businesses of all sizes and industries can ensure their business needs are met.

Bringing ‘fresh blood’ into a business through taking on trainees and apprentices also means employers can benefit from having a unique perspective, who can often bring new ideas and innovation into the workforce.

For employers with limited cash flow, taking on a trainee can be more profitable and realistic than hiring an apprentice, through the simple reason there are no payment requirements attached to traineeships.

Apprenticeships

Unlike traineeships that are confined to 16 – 23 year olds, apprenticeships are open to anyone. With a minimum salary of £3.30 an hour, apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to learn the skills and gain vital work experience whilst earning a wage.

Apprenticeship standards and assessments

Apprenticeships schemes involve some definite standards, including an apprentice having to work for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Throughout the programme, apprentices are assessed on a range of valuations some of which are specific to a particular sector and vocation.

Assessors

Throughout an apprenticeship assessors visit the apprentice at the work premises regularly and towards the end of the programme will conduct an assessment to evaluate the level of achievement of the apprentice.

Benefits of apprenticeships for employers

As noted above, many of the benefits of hiring an apprentice are similar to those of taking on a trainee, including employers ‘doing their bit’ for the community and bringing fresh perspectives to the business.

Though one of the biggest plus points of hiring an apprentice is that unlike traineeships that are for a much smaller duration and do not necessary result in a company giving the trainee permanent employment, apprenticeships are geared towards firms offering apprentices a permanent role. Apprenticeships are typically more niche/specialist driven, aimed at having a contracted employee at the end of the programme.

Consequently, having been trained in-house, many employees that have come through an apprenticeship, are more committed, loyal and supportive of a business and its objectives.

Regardless of their similarities and differences, both traineeships and apprenticeships are vital in helping, predominantly young people, train, develop essential skills and find work. Both programmes are invaluable assets for employers of all sizes and industries, helping to drive businesses forward and keeping the economy prospering.

This blog post was written by CMS Vocational Training (CMSVOC), which offers a vast range of courses and training programmes across diverse sectors. CMSVOC is committed to helping people of all ages, backgrounds and industries, find the right course and training programme so they can progress in their chosen career or embark on a new career. CMSVOC’s professional and talented staff have specialist knowledge in a wide range of industries and work with learners to help them achieve their career dreams.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by CMS Vocational Training .