Stop labelling stepping-stone Traineeships as ‘free labour’

Joe Crossley, CEO at leading further education provider Qube Learning, explains why delayed gratification pays off with higher earnings post-Traineeship

Unpaid internships have been gradually phased out over the last decade, with widespread – and well deserved – criticism levelled at the leg up they give affluent or supported candidates, who can afford to work unpaid before taking on job offers.

At Qube we often see comments online or on social media also describing Traineeships as ‘free labour’ for employers. It’s very important to make sure that there isn’t a misunderstanding around unpaid Traineeships, which are quite different to short-term unpaid internships. Traineeship opportunities offer genuine career opportunities to all who take part, no matter their background, wealth, or education.

Some of the myths we want to dispel include:

Traineeships are the new name for unpaid internships

This is incorrect. Traineeships are designed to secure a young person’s career progression in a positive way on a structured path – whether that’s to an apprenticeship or to further employment by learning within a work environment. The traineeship is a basic first introduction to working life that includes a skills development programme in a workplace.

The traineeship scheme is designed for young people aged 16 to 24, unqualified or qualified up to a Level 3 (A level or equivalent) whose preference is to find a job or apprenticeship but who may lack the skills and experience sought by employers. Unlike an internship, it is a nationally recognized and expert made programme, and unlike an apprenticeship, it is not a job.  Traineeships can last from 6 weeks up to a year, though most tend to last less than 6 months.

Traineeships aren’t jobs so they don’t give long term security

At Qube Learning, we know that around 75% of trainees get a job, take up an apprenticeship or go on to further study within a year of completing their programme. It’s vital that young people don’t see Traineeships as ‘free labour’ for Employers, but as an opportunity to step onto a long-term career ladder for themselves.

We had one young candidate who started in a childcare setting which was a useful learning exercise for her as she realised after 3 days that she didn’t want to work with children. We then put her in touch with an employer in a conference facility and she thrived. She completed a traineeship then went onto a Level 2, then a Level 3 apprenticeship, and she’s now a hospitality manager.

According to the Office for National Statistics, someone with a further education qualification – such as a Level 5 diploma – would earn 45% more on average than someone who stopped education at GCSE level. Candidates can get onto the pathway towards these qualifications and higher salaries by starting with a Traineeship.

During 2020 the care sector was Qube’s strongest sector for placing trainees, making up 43% of all placements. Between March and July last year we recruited over 200 care trainees and 82% of these went into work following their traineeship – 36% as an apprentice and 46% into a new job. These are fantastic results.

Traineeships don’t offer much personal support as you’re not an employee

We know from our own research and recruitment experience that young people need and appreciate active, personal support in these roles. Training providers can give this extra assistance during Traineeships, which takes some of the workload off the employer to be ‘everything’ to new trainees. It’s this early engagement and support which helps young people to envision a long-term career path, with the opportunity for professional development.

Traineeships actually cost you money to complete if you don’t get paid

With an abundance of unseen skills and talent, for young people to get in front of a potential employers can be difficult. By presenting opportunities and guiding them through the initial process, Traineeships can propel them into a professional sphere – to help them take up this opportunity, many employers will cover the cost of food and travel expenses to allow them to attend without incurring high costs.

It is important for job seekers that we do not lose the stepping stone programmes that allow them to progress to the levels of competence that employers are seeking because of misinformation shared online.

For more information on how to apply for a Traineeship, visit www.qube-learning.co.uk/learner-traineeships