A MINISTER and Suffolk MP will today announce plans to introduce new “traineeships” which aim to give young people the basic skills needed to gain employment.

The Government is setting up the scheme in response to complaints from employers that some candidates applying for apprenticeships and entry-level jobs lack the right skills and attitudes

Among complaints were that CVs are poorly written, candidates do not turn up for interviews or have not prepared properly and do not understand the requirements of routine or punctuality.

West Suffolk MP and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “We want to support everyone in our country to reach their personal best. To do that, we are introducing traineeships to help young people with the skills they need to get a job, and hold down a job.

“That’s vital for our economy to compete in the global race. And it’s a question of fairness. Traineeships will give young people the helping hand and experience they need to compete for apprenticeships and good jobs.”

The government will today publish a discussion paper on its plans, asking the public, employers and education providers to give feedback on how traineeships should be formed.

Under proposals as they stand, however, the courses will be available for 16- to 24- year-olds and will initially help people compile CVs and improve interview, job hunting and inter-personal skills.

Youngsters will also be given a work experience placement and, if needed, extra training in English and Maths for those who have not achieved a GCSE grade C or equivalent.

Martin Doel, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “We’ve been arguing for some time for a pre-apprenticeship ‘offer’ to young people, a mixture of training and work experience that makes them attractive to employers and competitive for apprenticeships or for other jobs.

“We therefore welcome this consultation and the thinking that underlies the questions that it poses.”

The length of a traineeship would reflect the specific needs of the individual participant, but they are expected to last around six months. Ministers hope they may be introduced by September.