The new ‘Traineeships’ programme, which is slated for September 2013, would provide young people aged 16 to 24 with a ‘tailor-made package of support’ that will give them the confidence, skills and experience to compete in the labour market with more experienced adults.

Employers, education and training providers, and young people have been invited to comment on the government’s proposals to help develop the new programme.

The discussion paper sets out the government’s vision for the initiative, which would include focused work preparation training such as CV writing, interview preparation, job searching, and interpersonal skills.

High quality work experience, giving young people real-life work placements to enhance their skills and confidence, would also be offered.

The initiative is part of the government’s wider aim to ensure the future workforce possesses the skills that employers want in their apprentices and employees.

Skills minister Matthew Hancock says, ‘We want to support everyone in our country to reach their personal best. To do that, we are introducing Traineeships to help young people with the skills they need to get a job, and hold down a job.

‘Traineeships will give young people the helping hand and experience they need to compete for apprenticeships and good jobs.’

Professor Alison Wolf, who conducted a review of vocational education for the government adds, ‘Long-term changes in the labour market have been very hard on young people. It is increasingly difficult for them to gain the work experience and workplace skills that help them move into permanent employment.

‘In my Review I argued that the Government needed to address this issue as a matter of urgency, and I am delighted to see that they are indeed doing so.’