New Isle Of Wight Traineeship Scheme For "Next Generation" Of Islanders

HTP Apprenticeship College is leading a new Government-funded traineeship programme on the Isle of Wight to get young people into work.

The scheme is part of a £111 million Government investment and aims to triple the scale of traineeships in the forthcoming year.

Isle of Wight businesses that agree to take on a person aged between 19 and 24 will receive a £1,000 payment (per person).

HTP will work with the employer to devise a bespoke learning programme for each trainee.

Although there is no commitment for the company to offer roles at the end of the placement, it is hoped the trainees will eventually progress to permanent jobs.

Rachael Randall, HTP’s Principal and Chief Executive, said:

“This scheme is all about job creation. These are real jobs for young people that are looking for a change. It presents an opportunity for employers to take on staff in roles that they might not have considered in the past.

"It’s also a chance for young people who might have been made redundant or furloughed in the last year to start again, by upskilling or reskilling in a new working environment.

“As sectors like hospitality and tourism prepare to reopen for business this summer, these Traineeship places offer a lifeline to companies whose business models have been reshaped by the pandemic. It’s a very exciting time and to be delivering this project as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs is a key moment for the Island’s economy and the next generation of employees.”

The Traineeship scheme is also supported by the Isle of Wight Council and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce.

Young Islanders will be able to take up roles at businesses including The Tomato Stall, Everycare, Buckland Care, Heritage Attractions, Quayside Leisure and Island Equine.

Rachael Randall added:

“The programme is highly flexible, tailored to the employer and is fundamentally a low-risk proposition. Businesses will play an active role in the recruitment of their trainee, with the costs of the training funded by HTP.

"There’s no requirement to pay wages and the employer will receive £1,000 for each trainee that they take on. There’s no commitment to employ the trainee at the end of the programme, although our strong track record in this area means that we’re confident that the vast majority of the trainees will move to an apprenticeship or further learning. We see the Traineeship as essentially a ‘long job interview’ for a potential future member of staff, where employers will want to keep their trainee at the end of the programme.

“There’s no doubt that the Isle of Wight economy has been hit hard by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our coastal communities and our tourism and hospitality employers have borne the brunt of the effects of the lockdowns. We’re excited to be working with health and social care providers, visitor attractions, the public sector and voluntary sector to give young people opportunities in these difficult times. We have places available that can lead to genuine jobs or progress learners through to apprenticeships.”

The programme offers opportunities to learn valuable Food Hygiene and Health and Safety qualifications, with places available in care homes, restaurants, legal firms, education providers and horse riding.