The UK last week released a government framework detailing a new traineeship scheme. Whilst the scheme has a strong emphasis on the quality of traineeships, and their educational purpose, the remuneration of trainees is not part of the scheme’s regulations:
“Employers are not required to pay young people for the work placement under the traineeship. Traineeships fall under an exemption to the National Minimum Wage. We would encourage, but do not require, employers to consider providing trainees with support to meet their travel or meal costs.” (p.23)
As outlined in the European Quality Charter on Internships and Apprenticeships, remuneration of trainees is a core element of quality internships in order to ensure that internships are equally accessible to all young people and are not exploitative experiences. The scheme, despite its promising focus on the educational element of traineeships, is thus highly disappointing in its absence of such regulation.
For more information please see the framework doc: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/197566/Traineeships_-_Framework_for_Delivery.pdf
Read an article from the European Youth Forum here
