Skills delivered through the government’s flagship traineeship programme such as interview technique and CV writing would make learners more likely to gain employment, a new survey of employers reveals.

The majority of employers surveyed in the new research published today by ICM Research said the approach would help prospective job applicants get a foot on the career ladder.

The findings come as a welcome boost to the traineeship scheme, which has got off to a slow start since its launch last summer. In November Matthew Coffey, Ofsted’s former director for FE and skills, described initial recruitment as “disappointing”. 

This was borne out by the first enrollment figures published last month, which revealed there were just 3,300 starts in the first six months of the programme.

But the latest research, commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service, offers more positive feedback.

Three quarters (74 per cent) said they would be more likely to hire a young person who had prepared well for an interview. In addition, 45 per cent said an “eye-catching and well-thought out” CV would improve a young candidate’s chances of securing a role, with 49 per cent saying they would consider creating a new role for a young person who impressed them during a work experience placement.

The figures were welcomed by skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock. “Creating more opportunities for young people to gain experience and confidence is crucial if we want to help them secure employment,” he said.

“Traineeships could be the difference which gives these young people their first break, unlocking their potential and giving them the work experience employers are looking for.

And he added: “However, it’s not just about work experience, the work preparation training offered through the traineeship such as CV writing and interview skills, together with English and maths, is of equal importance.”

Virgin Media, one of the companies to get involved with the traineeship programme, has offered apprenticeships to the first three young people who came through the programme.

Head of apprenticeships Chris Starling said: “Traineeships are a great opportunity for both the business and the individual. Not only can the employer get to know the trainee, but the trainee can get real exposure to the type of career that is available and make an informed decision that is best for them.

“Traineeships offer a great opportunity for us to harness and develop the talent of any candidate who has just missed out on being offered an apprenticeship.”