01 / THE BLUEPRINT
The problem to investigate
Young jobseekers may complete courses without getting supervised work, while workshops need help but cannot judge applicants from a certificate. Ask tradespeople what tasks could safely be taught during short placements.
02 / THE BLUEPRINT
A possible solution
Form a voluntary local circle of employers and trainees. List approved task profiles, hours, agreed compensation, safety checks, a named supervisor and a completion assessment. Match participants with the workplace, not an automated ranking.
03 / THE BLUEPRINT
Start without an app
Begin with a printed register and scheduled meetings at a youth centre; use local vocational-school referral networks already functioning before building an app.
04 / THE BLUEPRINT
Technology that could help
A mobile-friendly opt-in directory can record vacancies, supervisor contacts, anonymised completion counts and trainee-authorised skill portfolios. Limit profile visibility and provide non-digital enrolment.
05 / THE BLUEPRINT
Your first experiment
- A trades association identifies three suitable businesses and confirms insurance, workplace-safety and labour-law requirements.
- Each employer defines one supervised task and fair pay with an independent coordinator.
- Recruit a small voluntary cohort through an accessible, non-discriminatory process.
- Observe the first four weeks, log issues and collect trainee and employer feedback.
06 / THE BLUEPRINT
People, resources and cost drivers
Requires a coordinator, employers willing to supervise and pay, safeguarding where minors are involved, basic safety training and modest travel support. Consult ILO apprenticeship design guidance: https://www.ilo.org/resource/other/designing-apprenticeships-guidance-note-practitioners-and-policy-makers
07 / THE BLUEPRINT
What to validate — and when to stop
Ask if placements offer real supervision, useful work, fair pay and a verifiable skills outcome. Stop any partner using trainees for unpaid dangerous work or advertising guaranteed employment.
08 / HYPOTHESIS TO TEST
Potential impact and how to measure it
Compare placement completion, verified competence, paid follow-on work and trainee satisfaction by demographic group. Do not count applicants as employed or infer permanent jobs from one short placement.
09 / THE BLUEPRINT
Risks and safeguards
Risks include exploitation, workplace accidents, favouritism and disclosure of trainee contact information. Use written terms, grievance channels, accessible recruitment and clear safeguarding.
10 / THE BLUEPRINT
Who might pay or maintain it
Local employers can contribute a small transparent coordination fee only after fair pay is covered, or a trade group can sponsor the coordinator. Publish placement quality and complaints, not only signups.