Recruiting Young People
Recruitment of young people will obviously be very similar to recruiting staff of any age but there are a few issues that employers should consider.
- If you are considering a young person who is 16 years of age (or 15 years but will be 16 by the end of August) and attending school in year 11, then they cannot legally start full time work until the end of June. Recruitment can, of course, start before this date,
- GCSE results are available at the end of August, with A level results being available about a week earlier,
- Young people should have some idea of their predicted grades at GCSE and A levels,
- Young people have a ‘National Record of Achievement’, which records all achievements that a young person has attained,
- A high percentage of young people who achieve grades C or above in GCSEs remain in full time education,
- Young people who gain GCSE grades C or below can thrive in the workplace and aptitude and the right attitude can often be more important than high GCSE grades,
- Aptitude tests can be used as part of the recruitment process. It can be helpful if more than one date is set and avoid the time when GCSE exams are being taken,
- Young people who have been identified as having special needs are often very keen to gain employment and with some help and support can be willing and able employees,
- Many young people would like to continue with their learning but do not want to remain in full time education. Apprenticeships are an ideal way for them to learn while working.
Qualifications & Education
There are so many specialised qualifications now it can become a little confusing for employers to judge what level of learning has been achieved by applicants
The following chart may help to clarify matters:
|
Framework Level |
Level description |
Examples |
|
Levels 4 - 8 |
Qualifications that recognise specialist knowledge and skills at a technical or professional level. |
|
|
Level 3 |
Learning builds detailed knowledge or skills for university, working independently, or supervising / training others. |
|
|
Level 2 |
Learning builds knowledge and / or skills in a particular work or subject area that has a general application |
|
|
Level 1 |
Learning is about knowledge and skills, relating these to everyday activity and may be linked to job competence. |
|
|
Entry Level |
Learning is about building basic knowledge and skills. |
|
For more information, visit the Department for Children, Schools and Families
Apprenticeships
The future prosperity of all businesses is dependent upon our young people acquiring the skills needed in an ever changing and competitive world. Work based learning gives young people the knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen careers.
Apprenticeships in England have been transformed over the past 5 years. They provide a breadth of training that equips successful Apprentices with the competence they and their employers need, and with the transferable skills that will allow them to adapt to changing employment circumstances. They provide proven wage advantages for employees and, for employers, an excellent means to increase the productivity of new entrants and the existing workforce.
Apprentices learn through a combination of on and off the job education and training. On the job they work alongside your staff and the rest they learn from a local learning provider, usually on a day release basis.
There are two levels of Apprenticeships:
Advanced Apprenticeships
Suitable for 16-24 year olds,
Advanced Apprentices will usually need 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or an appropriate NVQ level 2, or equivalent.
They will be employed from day 1, and are usually paid the normal rate for the job, should have a contract of employment and be classed as any other member of staff.
They will receive both on and off the job training to gain an NVQ level 3, key skills and appropriate technical skills certificate.
Advanced Apprenticeships usually last 2 years.
Apprenticeships
Also for 16-24 year olds,
Apprenticeships are usually aimed at those with 2-3 GCSEs at C/D Grade or equivalent,
They are also employed from day one and paid a wage. (National Minimum Wage exempt, but should be paid a minimum of £80 per week, £95 per week from 1st August 2009).
They will receive both on and off the job training to NVQ level 2, key skills and appropriate technical skills certificate,
Have an opportunity to progress to NVQ level 3.
Apprenticeships usually last at least a year.
National Apprenticeship Service
For more information about Apprenticeships, please visit the National Apprenticeship Service website If you would like advice on Apprenticeships, please contact the Vacancy Services Team
Telephone: 0845 602 0307 9am to 5pm Monday- Friday
