Traineeships explained

What a traineeship is 

The Traineeship programme is delivered by the six regional colleges of Further Education with support for work based learning to be provided by local employers.

The Traineeship programme will allow you to achieve a full Level 2 qualification, and will include the following key elements:

• main knowledge based qualification in the chosen occupational area
• vocational skills development
• transversal and digital skills
• work placement
• lead to qualifications comparable to up to five GCSEs including Maths and English Grades A* to C
• additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within a sector for example Health and Safety, CSR, manual handling

Duration

The Traineeship programme will typically take one to two years to complete on a full-time basis. 

Entry requirements

You must hold a minimum of a Level 1 qualification, defined as four GCSEs at grades D to G including Maths and English grades D to F, or equivalent.

Some areas have enhanced criteria for English and Maths at GCSE – as shown in the table below.

If you do not meet the enhanced entry criteria you may enter an ‘introductory phase’ of the Traineeship. Upon enrolment, you will carry out initial assessments to confirm if you should enter the full traineeship or the introductory phase.

During the application process you should apply for the Level 2 course.

Traineeship funding

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

You may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance. EMA pays £30 per week and is available to 16 to 19-year-olds. It is means tested.

Your attendance will be monitored and payment is dependent on full weekly attendance in all subject areas including placement. Bonuses are also payable on the achievement of qualifications.

EMA application packs are available from the college reception areas and more information on how to apply can be found below:

• How to apply for Education Maintenance Allowance

Further Education Grant

You can apply for a Further Education Grant which is means tested and non-repayable. The deadline to be guaranteed support is 30 June, although applications are open until the 30 September.

Application packs are available from the college reception areas or more information on how to apply can be found below:

• Further Education grants

Hardship Fund

If you are age 18 or over on 1 July before the start of the academic year and suffering from financial hardship, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the college’s Hardship Fund.

Assistance from the Hardship Fund is means tested and can only be provided once all other sources of funding have been explored.

Childcare can be supported through the Hardship Fund if support is unavailable through the FE Award and Care to Learn.

More information on how to apply can be found below:

• Support Funds 

Travel

You will be eligible to apply for a bus pass.

Bus passes are issued through the Education Authority (EA).

To receive a bus pass, you must:

• be under 19 on 1 July before the start of the academic year
• be studying a recognised full time further education or traineeship course
• live at least three miles from your nearest college

You will also be reimbursed for your travel costs to work placement.

Free school meals

If you’re under 18 years of age on 31 July, before the start of the academic year, you may be entitled to free school meals.

Your parent or guardian must apply to the Education Authority.

School meal tickets will be available from college reception areas and should be collected on a weekly basis.

More information on how to apply can be found below:

• Nutrition and school lunches 

More useful links

• Traineeships available and how to apply