A LEADING national recruitment and training solutions provider, which operates a centre in Bradford, has spoken of the challenges young people face when searching for employment opportunities.

Joe Crossley, CEO of Qube Learning, the organisation behind the Kickstart Centre in Bradford city centre, said that this has always been a huge driver in how they function as a business. They are motivated to secure job vacancies for those in need of a sustainable profession.

His comments come during National Careers Week, which runs from March 7 to 12, and is a celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education.

He added: "The past two years have been extremely tough for many people, particularly young people who are in between jobs or looking to start off in their career. "Working with large groups of young people through our Kick Start, Traineeship and Apprenticeship programmes, and at our Employability centres in Bradford and Bolton, has meant we have been able to keep these people engaged and enabled them to find good quality work placements with some amazing Employers.

"With an abundance of unseen skills and talent, for them to get in front of a potential Employers can be difficult, and by presenting opportunities and guiding them through the initial process, it can propel them into a professional sphere they never thought attainable. It really can be a significant life shift."

He answered a number of questions, including the following:

What’s the difference between a Traineeship and an Apprenticeship?

A Traineeship is a training programme designed to prepare you for your future career. They not only give you an opportunity to sample what it's like to work in a certain industry or sector while gaining a qualification, they also help you learn the essential skills that Employers want and need from their workforce, helping improve your chances of getting an Apprenticeship or other job with them.

An Apprenticeship is designed to enhance your level of competency and confidence, allowing you to upskill within your current role by developing your practical skills and knowledge. Our Apprenticeships offer you a practical alternative to university and a fast route into a career of your choice. They provide you with several great, tangible benefits, whether you are an existing employee in a business or someone who has just left school or college.

What makes you eligible for a Traineeship?

All you need is to be keen to work, unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week, aged 16 to 24, with no qualifications at Level 3 (qualifications from college or sixth form), and a positive attitude.

Do I have to pay for a Traineeship?

You do not have to pay for a Traineeship. It’s a chance to gain knowledge in an area of work you are interested in and that you can see a future in. It’s hands-on, direct experience that is incredibly valuable to someone’s professional start in life.

How long is a Traineeship?

A Traineeship is a skills development programme that can last from six weeks to six months, and can provide great insight into a profession and industry.

Do I get paid doing a Traineeship?

Although work placements are unpaid, Employers are encouraged to support expenses such as transport. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access financial support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund. All training costs are funded by the government.

They are a chance to gain as much experience as you can, to showcase what skills you have, and they are an opportunity to get in front of an Employer and show them what a benefit you could be to their business. Individuals with experience are just as valuable, if not more so than someone with grades when it comes to being hired.

Where can I find a Traineeship?

A great start point is the gov.uk website, which explains more about Traineeships and how to find one. If you would like a more direct approach, you can Google the type of Traineeship or Apprenticeship you are interested in and providers such as us, Qube Learning, will come up. We welcome all questions and our aim is for people to feel more well-informed after speaking to us.

Do I get a qualification at the end of a Traineeship?

If you successfully complete the Traineeship, you will receive a full Traineeship certificate, plus other qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A* to C (including English and Mathematics qualifications at Level 2).

Can I do an Apprenticeship after a Traineeship?

All those completing Traineeships will also receive a job reference, which can be used when applying for jobs or Apprenticeships after the programme. The aim of a Traineeship is to help a young person move into an Apprenticeship or employment, so ideally a person will become employed or become an Apprentice after completing their Traineeship.

What areas can I get a Traineeship in?

Traineeships fall into area such as health and social care, retail, building, construction, hairdressing, cooking, manufacturing, and engineering. Traineeships are in many industries, including information technology, hospitality, and agriculture. Within each industry, there are different training options. Traineeships will also offer work preparation training, covering areas like job searching, CV writing, interview preparation and interpersonal skills.

To find out more visit Qube Learning's website here.