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Traineeships

Traineeships

Traineeships are a great way to help you build your CV. That's because traineeships help you learn the essential skills that every employer wants and set you on the right path for the rest of your career!

A traineeship is an amazing stepping-stone to full-time paid work if you’re struggling to find work, or you don’t have relevant qualifications or experience. As a trainee you’ll get:

  • Work preparation training – get the skills and confidence to take the first step in your career. It may sound boring, but in reality, it’ll give you the skills you need to help you with your CV, cover letters, application forms and show you how to nail an interview.
  • Skills and abilities – you’ll have the extra boost to prove to employers you have what it takes to succeed at their company. Your employer will help you develop the skills that are most in-demand by employers.
  • Maths and English support – we’ve heard it all before, but maths and English skills are essential in any workplace. You’ll get support to gain the right qualifications which will elevate your job prospects, long-term career progression and, the best of all, your earning potential!
  • Work experience – You’ll be working alongside current employees and learn from them on the job. What’s better is you’re guaranteed an exit interview at the end of the programme with your mentor, who can provide a great reference for future job applications going forward.
  • An improved CV – all of the above will give you the right skills to put on your CV.

It’ll involve you joining a company for a few weeks or maybe a couple of months to really get you to learn the ropes of a role you may wish to have. During your work experience placement, you’ll have a manager and sometimes you’ll have a mentor or buddy too. These people will be there to help you get the most out of your work experience placement – think of them as the Yoda to your Luke Skywalker.

You’ll have the chance to network with colleagues currently working in that industry and job role, so you’ll get experience and insight in many different areas, or you could be involved in work shadowing where you shadow someone in a more senior role too!

If you’ve got work experience, you want to make the most of it. One way to do so is to discuss with your supervisor when you arrive at the placement what you want to get out of it. This includes your ambitions, such as what you want to achieve in your career and how the placement fits into your future job search and any particular skills you wish to gain.

Ask as many questions as you can – you’ll be working with experienced people so get it is the perfect place to ask for advice. Keep note of any work you do to build your CV, ask for feedback and say thank you to leave on the best note!

As a trainee, you'll enjoy education and training programmes built by employers to help you get 'work ready'.

FAQs

Where can I apply for a traineeship?

If you are still in full-time education, speak to your careers adviser or teacher and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. You can also apply for traineeships with many employers directly, and you can find lots of traineeships on the GetMyFirstJob website.
You can search for traineeship opportunities here: www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk

When can I apply for a traineeship?

Applications for traineeships are open throughout the year. Some employers only hire at certain times, but as the programmes are quite short, most employers hire different groups of trainees across the year.

Do I get any qualifications with a Traineeship?

The qualifications you receive at the end of your traineeship depend on your training provider and employer, but you’ll definitely get something!

Most trainees will receive a Level 1 Award in Employability Skills on completion of their traineeship – which will show off your skills in customer interactions, working as a team, problem-solving, and time management. If you haven’t achieved any GCSE qualifications, you will also be able to work towards vocational qualifications such as the Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

Your employer might also give you other qualifications too depending on who you do your traineeship with. For example, some trainees could leave with a forklift truck operating certificate whereas others could leave with Google badges for digital marketing!

What’s the difference between work experience and a traineeship?

With work experience, you won’t gain formal qualifications or structured work preparation training. A traineeship, on the other hand, includes workshops on CV writing, creating cover letters, completing job applications, and interview preparation.

What’s the difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship?

Traineeships are generally shorter and more focused on work preparation, offering basic qualifications like functional skills. Apprenticeships are more comprehensive, offering industry-specific qualifications at various levels. Also, apprenticeships are paid, while traineeships typically are not.

Can I choose a specific area to work in?

There are many areas you can gain experience in, from Business Administration and Events to Hospitality and Education Support. It's helpful to stay flexible and open to various opportunities, rather than focusing on a single area.

Does it cost me anything?

While you won't be paid during a traineeship, some employers may cover costs like food or travel. Additionally, you may qualify for funding through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, depending on your circumstances.

Do I get paid to do a traineeship?

No, traineeships are unpaid. However, some employers may cover expenses like food and travel.

Will I get a job at the end of the traineeship?

A job isn't guaranteed at the end of a traineeship, but it can help you gain valuable skills and experience. Some employers may even use traineeships to find candidates for their apprenticeship programs.

Are traineeships recognised by employers?

Yes, employers see traineeships as valuable. Many large and reputable businesses use traineeships as part of their recruitment process to find potential candidates.

How long does it last?

Traineeships can last anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on your circumstances. They are often flexible to accommodate part-time jobs or other commitments.

Remember traineeships are created by employers, so you know you’ll be getting the skills and experience that employers really want.

Apprenticeships

Intermediate (Level 2) Advanced (Level 3) Higher (Level 4) Higher (Level 5) Degree (Level 6) Professional (Level 7)

Work Experience & Short-Term

Work Experience Traineeships Skills Bootcamps Internships

Education & Graduate

University Graduate Roles