Habia calls for feedback on proposed traineeships

Standards-setting body Habia is encouraging employers in the beauty industry to respond to a government consultation that could lead to new learning programmes called traineeships.

Traineeships would be aimed at 16 to 24 year olds who are not ready for an apprenticeship, and who are not currently in education or work.

They would include flexible and tailor-made work preparation sessions, work placements, and support for those who have not achieved a GCSE grade C in English and maths.

The idea arose following the government’s Richard Review of Apprenticeships, which recommended changes to the system.

The government said its aim is to make the traineeship the “preferred route for young people who aspire to apprenticeships or other jobs that require additional training in order to reach their goals.”

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has urged employers and training providers to help shape the initiative by giving their opinions on the new programme, which could be in place as early as September 2013.

Beauty employers can comment on the proposed traineeship model at www.habia.org/c/1999/consultations until January 29.