Brussels, 04/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 4 December, the European Commission unveiled a new proposal to introduce common guidelines for traineeships in the EU, on a voluntary basis. This proposal is mainly aimed at improving the conditions in which traineeships - often the first experience of the world of work for a large number young Europeans - take place. Among the ideas that the Council of Ministers will be examining is the requirement of a written agreement, although this would not necessarily provide for payment.
According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, almost three quarters of young Europeans who have had a period of traineeship believe that this experience has benefited them and increased their chances of finding a job. Despite this, traineeships sometimes have a negative image and are associated with a kind of mindless exploitation. An example of this ill feeling came to the fore in July at the very heart of the EU when trainees in Brussels went on strike at the European institutions and non-governmental organisations where they were training.
In his presentation of this new proposal, the commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, Laszlo Andor, did not mince his words and referred to the “exploitation” of young people treated as “cheap or underpaid labour”. In a press release, the commissioner said that member states must ensure that “trainees receive valuable training and experience to get a job. These proposed guidelines would enable trainees to acquire high-quality work experience under good working conditions”.
The guidelines contain an obligation for employers to provide a written contract for the traineeship, which, according to the Eurobarometer study, is done in six out of ten cases in general. Such a contract should cover learning content (educational objectives, supervision) and working conditions (limited duration of six months, working time, clear indication whether trainees would be paid or otherwise compensated and whether they would qualify for social security). Almost 60% of traineeships are currently proposed without any kind of payment made. (JK/transl.fl)