Traineeships
This page contains information about traineeships at SGS.
Traineeships - SGS Provision and Employer Guide
Traineeships can offer a flexible staffing solution during the current economic uncertainties and also provide opportunities for young people who have limited options due to Covid.
They are designed to support young people (16 to 24) as a route into apprenticeships and work-based training.
Traineeships are a key strand of the governments’ Plan for Jobs, published in July 2020, with a further £111m investment and broader eligibility to include young people already qualified to Level 3 (A level equivalent)
A Traineeship
- is flexible, can be sector focused and is funded by the government
- gives your current employees experience in training and mentoring
- allows you to design a programme that suits both the needs of your business and the needs of the trainee
- can help you increase capacity and productivity
- can help you develop a loyal and talented workforce
- allows you to help tackle youth unemployment
- is a route into an apprenticeship
- allows you to get to know and work with young people prior to recruiting apprentices
Apprenticeship Offers
Explore Our ProgrammesThe Traineeship Programme
Traineeships last between 6 weeks and 12 months, with most completing within 6 months.
They are designed for young people who require a route into apprenticeships and include
- Work preparation training
- Work placement
- Math, English and IT
- Vocational (sector) training
Employer Involvement
The work placement element is a minimum of 70 hours, and can be up to 240 hours. The placement can be split between several employers, but there must be a minimum of 2 weeks in each employer
On completion, the learner should receive either an interview, for any apprenticeship or suitable vacancies, or a supportive exit interview with meaningful feedback.
Employer Incentives
Employers can receive up to 10 incentive payments of £1000 for each trainee they host on placement. The incentive is intended to encourage employers to engage in supporting traineeships with work experience, and to cover costs such as administration or the provision of PPE. The incentive is claimed directly by the employer via the .gov website.
SGS Traineeships
We can support Traineeships in the following sectors:
- Administration and IT
- Education – Teaching Assistants
- Customer service
- IT
- Construction trades
Traineeships are delivered by our apprenticeship team and supported in the workplace by our apprenticeship assessors.
Our apprenticeship recruitment team will work with you to secure suitable Trainees. We achieve 90% retention on the entry-level apprenticeship roles we fill.
We will work with you to design the programme, college elements and work placement hours to fit with your needs.
Employer Responsibilities
When offering a traineeship work-placement you need to provide:
- safe, meaningful and high-quality work experience
- a minimum of 70 hours of work experience - but no more than 240 hours for benefit claimants - over the duration of the traineeship (maximum of one year) and as agreed with the traineeship provider
- constructive feedback and advice to the trainee
- an interview for an apprenticeship or job in your business at the end of the traineeship if one is available
- an exit interview at the end of the traineeship with meaningful written feedback if no job is available
The traineeship is free to your business, but you may support trainees with expenses such as transport and meals.
Traineeship Pathways
School Pathway
English, Maths and Digital Skills
Level 1 Certificate in Employability
Work Experience in Schools
Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools L2
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3
Business Pathway
English, Maths and Digital Skills
Level 1 Certificate in Employability
Work Experience in Business
Award in Business Skills L1
Customer Service Apprenticeship Level 2
Management Pathway
English, Maths and Digital Skills
Level 1 Certificate in Employability
Work Experience in Business
Award in Team Leading L2
Team Leader / Supervisor Apprenticeship Level 3
Work Preparation training
This will consist of the Level 1 Certificate in Employability which will cover the following units;
- Oral Presentation Skills
- Working as a Team
- Communication Skills in Preparing for Work
- Customer Care
- Work Experience
- Planning and Reviewing Learning
- Responsible Work Practice
- Health and Safety in a Practical Environment
Work Placement
This will be dependent on the stream. Learners wishing to go on to a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship will partake in work experience in a school such as a Reading Buddy. Those wishing to follow an Administration route or a Team Leading Apprenticeship will upskill through work experience in an office or similar business environment.
Maths, English and Digital Skills
All three qualifications will be covered at a level suitable to the candidate predominantly at E3 through to L2. The learner will start at the most appropriate level for their current ability and upskill through the qualifications whilst they are on the Traineeship. The learner will be expected to achieve at least L1 prior to starting on one of the above apprenticeships.
Vocational (sector) training
This will be through one of the following qualifications;
- Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2
- Award in Business Skills Level 1
- Award in Team Leading level 2
Construction Traineeships
Construction Pathway
English, Maths and Digital Skills
Work Experience On-Site
Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment in the Construction Sector
Construction Apprenticeship
Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment in the Construction Sector Optional Units to include:
Tiling
Trowel
Plastering
Dry Lining
Wood Occupations
Painting and Decorating
Work Preparation training
This will be embedded into the Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment in the Construction Sector and will include:
- Introduction to Construction Work
- Principles of Health and Safety
- Handling and Storing Materials and Components
- Personal Work Skills
- Introduction to Self-Employment
Maths, English and Digital Skills
All three qualifications will be covered at a level suitable to the candidate predominantly at E3 through to L2. The learner will start at the most appropriate level for their current ability and upskill through the qualifications whilst they are on the Traineeship. The learner will be expected to achieve at least L1 prior to starting on one of the above apprenticeships.
Vocational (sector) training
This will be through the level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment in the Construction Sector and will allow the learner to choose the specialism. Specialisms are listed above.
Work Placement
This will be dependent on the stream. Learners will work within the Construction Sector but within their speciality such as Tiling.