Training providers, traineeships and study programmes

There are many education options when leaving school, not one size fits all. Read more about these other solutions and understand if they are right for you.

Independent training providers offer courses in a range of vocational subjects and work preparation such as traineeships, apprenticeships, and supported internships.

Individual training providers often focus on a particular type of course or vocational or work option and offer another option to college for further education to help young people progress in learning and progress to employment through traineeships and study programmes.

Each training provider offers something slightly different, so ensure you research your options finding the most suitable match for you.

Local training providers

The following training providers are available locally:

Traineeships

A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year (although most will last for less than 6 months).

Traineeships help 16 to 24 year olds or 25 year olds with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, to get ready for an apprenticeship or job if they don’t have the right skills or experience.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a traineeship if you’re:

eligible to work in England
have little or no work experience but are motivated to work
aged 16 to 24 or 25 with an EHC plan and qualified up to level 3

What a traineeship includes

Traineeships are free. The cost of training is given directly to training providers by the government.

From the training provider you get:

training to prepare you for work, including CV writing and what to expect in the workplace
support to improve your English, maths and digital skills if you need it
sector focused vocational learning to help prepare you for your apprenticeship or job and recognition of your learning

From the employer you get:

a high-quality work placement of at least 70 hours
an interview for an apprenticeship or job if available, or an exit interview with written feedback

Programmes can be tailored to meet your needs and prepare you for what local businesses are looking for.

A traineeship is a training programme and isn’t a job. Employers are not required to pay you for the work placement, but they can support you with expenses such as transport and meals.

If you are eligible, you can maintain your entitlement to benefits whilst on a traineeship as necessary.
Along with recognition of your learning, there will be support to link you with job opportunities.

You may get:

expenses for transport and meals from your employer
financial support for travel, childcare or a disability from your training provider
support from your local Jobcentre Plus if you are eligible for work benefits

Local providers

Documents to download

Download: What is a Traineeship? (PDF)

Download: What is a Traineeship? SEND (PDF)

Download: What is a Traineeship? SEND InPrint (PDF)

Study programmes

If you’re going into post-16 education or training, your school or college will offer you a study programme, whether you’re doing academic or vocational study (or a mix of both).

A study programme is an individual learning plan based on your qualifications and achievements, what you want and need to do next, and any career plans you have.

What’s in a study programme?

Each person’s programme will vary. Your school or college will explain how your programme details reflect your individual needs, abilities, and ambitions.

You will spend most of your time studying an academic or vocational qualification, or if you’re not ready, a traineeship or extended work experience placement.

Whether you are studying one or more qualification these will be included in your study programme. The vocational or academic qualifications form the main part of the study programme which will also include enrichment activities such as work experience. A non-qualification element which will allow you to try out different things such as sports or crafts.

In addition, many students studying for A levels complete an Extended Project Qualification to supplement the studies that they are completing for their A Level courses.

There’s a range of activities to support your progression to help you develop personal, study and employability skills. If you haven’t achieved the required grades in English and Maths you will continue to study these. If you need tailored support or SEND this will also be included in your study programme.

Work experience as part of a study programme

If you’re taking vocational qualifications like an NVQ, T level, traineeship, or other work-related
course, work placements can be part of your training.

If you are planning to move onto higher or further education, work experience and other work-related education could still be provided as part of the course.

If you’re not yet ready to study a main academic or vocational qualification, work experience may be provided as the main part of your study programme to help you develop employability skills.
Your school or college will arrange your work placements, aiming to ensure their relevance to you and your studies, so that your experience will help you decide on future careers and show your potential to future employers or universities.

What's next?

After finishing a study programme you could:

go to University
look for employment
go on to vocational or work-based qualifications, such as an apprenticeship
if you are not quite ready for an apprenticeship a traineeship may just be the thing for you
if you are self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week you can also
study part-time as well to support you in further improving your work skills

Documents to download:

Download: What is a Study Programme? (PDF)
Download: What is a Study Programme? SEND (PDF)
Download: What is a Study Programme? SEND InPrint (PDF)