United Kingdom: THE government is set to provide thousands of traineeships in a bid to kickstart the economy after months of lockdown.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said he will prioritise opportunities for young people amid fears of high unemployment caused by the coronavirus crisis.
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship is a course for young people which aims to prepare them for the world of work.
They provide up to 90 hours of unpaid work experience alongside classes in maths and English.
They can last up to six months, and are open to anyone aged between 16 and 24.
Under the Chancellor’s new proposals, firms in England will be granted a £1,000 cash boost for every work experience placement they offer, as part of a whopping £111million funding boost.
This will also be available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who will receive £21m.
Government figures show nearly three quarters of young people who have done a traineeship go on to further employment or study within a year.
It comes amid fears of huge layoffs as companies look to cut costs after a dramatic plunge in revenue during the coronavirus lockdown.
How is it different to an apprenticeship?
Traineeships are usually seen as a pathway to an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships tend to involve four days a week of work experience, while one day a week is devoted to studying.
They also tend to be longer than traineeships, lasting between one and three years.
Businesses often offer full time employment on completion of an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are offered in nearly every field, from construction to business management and hospitality.
When does the scheme start?
The new scheme will go live from September 2020.
According to the Treasury, it will be part of a “wider package to support young people” – who have been hit hard by the closure of schools during the pandemic.
The scheme is part of new plans to kick-start the economy – which will be set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the House of Commons on Wednesday, July 8.
New measures could include a cut on VAT for pubs and restaurants to help protect jobs in the hard-hit hospitality industry.
The government has also announced a £1.4bn package for the arts industry, which will help to save theatres and live music venues which remain closed to curb the spread of the virus.
But there are fears that, without drastic intervention, many jobs could be lost in the coming months, with the Chancellor aiming to stop young people bearing the brunt of lockdown.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak says he can’t save every job and hardship ahead
by by Dan Keane (The Sun)