There have been a number of significant changes to criteria for traineeships. These changes will improve the number of learners that can be helped by taking a traineeship.
The fundamentals of traineeships remain centred on high-quality work experience of at least 100 hours. With 9200 traineeships started in the first two quarters of this year, it looks as if there will be significant growth. The key changes include:
- Eligibility of trainees has been extended to those learners who already have a full level 2 qualification.
- 16-19 year olds can now claim Job Seekers Allowance throughout their traineeship.
- Sub-contractors can now include providers graded 1, 2 or 3 by Ofsted.
- Funding for 19-24 year olds has been simplified, with the programme being funded, rather than individual components.
- The 20% achievement payment is payable when the learner progresses to a successful outcome, rather than a qualification achievement.
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