06.06.13
Traineeships to meet future rail needs – People 1st
People 1st has welcomed the introduction of traineeships for young people this August. Roles will be available for 16-19 year olds across the rail industry, helping to bridge skills gaps and boost employment.
The new framework will be offered to young people who are unemployed, with little work experience or qualifications. The traineeships include a six month work placement, work preparation training and the development of English and maths.
People 1st is also working with employers to develop sector-specific traineeships.
Martin-Christian Kent, product development director at People 1st, said: “Our State of the Nation research report last year highlighted the need for more people to enter the rail industry and develop their skills along a robust career path if we are going to meet the higher skills and management needs of the sector.
“We need to start developing these pathways now to ensure that we meet the sector’s needs in the future.
“Employers across the sector see traineeships as an opportunity to strengthen career pathways. They will give people the chance to experience roles and ensure young people have the skills they need to start an apprenticeship.
“It is disappointing that that they have been restricted to 16-19, as the original proposals for 16-24 would have provided greater opportunities.
“We would also like to see them linked far more to sector career paths, rather than leaving it up to the providers to develop their content.
“While we recognise traineeships need to be tailored to meet individual trainee and employer needs, our experience with pre-employment training shows that too many programmes leave employers confused and don’t deliver the skills they need.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]