Skillseekers is a work-based training initiative that helps 16-18 year olds to learn while they earn, and helps employers with the cost of training.
A Skillseeker works towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) which is a nationally recognised qualification that proves they can do their job. As the training is work-based - learning "on the job" - the young person can put their new skills to work right away.
Modern Apprenticeships are an option within Skillseekers and cover all aspects of modern working life including the traditional trades. They are based around a higher level of SVQ with additional skills which help in more advanced aspects of the job. A high proportion of Skillseekers achieve full, certificated Modern Apprenticeships.
INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL SKILLSEEKERS
So why be a Skillseeker?
Most employers use Skillseekers to recruit young people. It's a route into a job with a future, and a good way of gaining valuable practical experience as well as a recognised qualification. Some Skillseekers have used their training to gain qualifications that are acceptable as entrance qualifications to colleges and universities. Others have won national training awards and used their training to go on to bigger things.
What training is available?
Training is available in a huge range of careers. You might have thought you would need to go to university for some of them, like accountancy, but you can do many in Orkney, and get a wage at the same time. Periods of college attendance, either within or outwith Orkney, are part of the training for some occupations.
How much will I be paid?
It can vary quite a lot, and depends on the type of job you will be training for. Many Skillseekers are paid over £100 per week, however the absolute minimum you can be paid is £50 per week. If you are a Skillseeker aged 18 or over, with one year's experience, you are entitled to the national minimum wage. Wage rates usually go up as you get older and gain more skills.
Are Skillseekers entitled to holidays?
Yes. You are entitled to the national minimum paid holidays, but many Skillseekers get more than this.
How much does the training cost?
It won't cost you, or your parents, anything. Your employer may be asked to make a small contribution, but in most cases your employer will receive money for helping to train you.
Who organises and manages the training?
Either a local training provider like Orkney College, Support Training or Grainshore Training Centre, or a national one like the Construction Industry Training Board.
How long will the training last?
That depends on the type of training you are undertaking. Some training programmes can be completed in less than a year whilst others can take three years or more, but you'll be able to progress at your own speed.
Do employers make you do things like sweep the floor and make cups of tea for all other employees?
It's unlikely, but some of the work you do at the start of your training may seem pretty menial. Your job will develop in line with your skills and knowledge.
What are the chances of getting a job at the end of Skillseekers?
Almost all Skillseekers are employed from the outset. Skillseekers is a job with training so by the time you complete your SVQ you should be in a full-time job. However, these days people are often taken on under short-term contracts, and if this applies to you the skills, experience and qualifications you have gained while working will greatly increase your chances of moving onto another job.
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS
Who pays?
Funding for training is provided by HIE Orkney (OE). It doesn't cost the trainee or their parents anything. In some occupations, periods of college attendance, either within or outwith Orkney, are part of the training but any travel and accommodation costs relating to this are paid for by OE.
In some instances employers may be asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of the training, but in most cases the employer will receive money for helping train the young person. The exact costs of the training may vary from trade to trade, and depend on the level of qualification undertaken.
As the Skillseeker is employed, the employer is required to pay the trainee a wage and allow them time to study. Many Skillseekers are paid over £100 per week, however the minimum that HIE Orkney insists on is £40 per week. When Skillseekers reach the age of 18, and have completed one year of training, they are entitled to the national minimum wage. Wage rates usually go up as they get older and gain more skills.
Who organises and manages the training?
Either a local training provider like Orkney College, Support Training or Grainshore Training Centre, or a national one like the Construction Industry Training Board.
Skillseekers can apply to young people already working for you or people you intend to take on in the future. If you have difficulties in recruiting young people, local training providers and careers advisors have details of young people looking for work.
How long will the training last?
That depends on the type of training that the young person is undertaking. Some training programmes can be completed in less than a year whilst others can take three years or more, but Skillseekers are able to progress at their own speed.
What training is available?
There are hundreds of different SVQs available through Skillseekers.
So why get involved?
Training is recognised as being essential to business success. With Skillseekers, employers are given the chance to develop the abilities of the young people in their workforce to ensure that they play a strong role in the business's performance.
Because the training is delivered in the workplace, the skills and practical experience are often better tailored to business needs than straightforward academic qualifications.
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