A staggering 13.5% of young people are considered NEET* (not in education, employment or training), with many 16-18 year olds leaving school with little or no work experience and lack the basic skills and qualifications necessary to secure employment. According to a study carried out by The Prince’s Trust, more than half of those young people feel anxious about life**. Recognising the need for skilled candidates and with the UK welcoming a fast flourishing tech industry, QA Apprenticeships have launched a new traineeship programme to address employability for the next generation.
“Opportunities are limited for young people, however, we have seen a huge demand for skilled employees to take on roles within an industry that is booming. Advancements in technology and IT have seen a rise in software development, app designing plus much more and such companies are looking to the next generation to fill the boots of their growing workforce,” says Siobhan Cronin QA.
The traineeships offer a crash course for 16-18 year olds who are just leaving school, providing them with the opportunity to invest in their employability, skills and confidence, particularly targeted at the IT and tech sector. Reserved for those unemployed, or paid far below minimum wage, the new QA traineeships offer hope to many of those in need of a step onto the career ladder.
Combining 2 weeks at QA’s learning centre, gaining invaluable skills and qualifications, with 3 weeks on the job training and work experience, those enrolled will add significant skills to their CV and for some, a reputable company name. The traineeship has already seen the support of BT, who have provided work experience in their offices’ for the first wave of trainees.
Speaking about the motivation behind the decision, Damian Brown of BT explained, “We recognise that it’s tough at the moment for young people to find jobs which is why we are delighted to be partnering with QA to help their trainees gain the valuable experience they need to progress to employment. BT runs its own Traineeship programme in locations across the UK and it was great to get involved with QA to add value to theirs.”
There has been a surge in demand for alternative means of education over the past few years, whether that is down to the rise of tuition fees or the boom in competition for graduates, and QA Apprenticeships are at the forefront of those offering an alternative career option. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, the company already operates a national apprenticeship programme for those 16 and over and looking to explore opportunities outside of traditional educational routes.
Whether through their apprenticeship or traineeship programmes, QA hope to educate and inspire young people, particularly those leaving school, and enlighten them about all opportunities that exist after school, and to consider all options, as Further Education isn’t the only path to success.