The European Commission presents its evaluation of the framework for quality traineeships to prepare the ground for an updated framework later this year.
Traineeships are an essential element of education and training in Europe. In 2014, the European Commission (EC) had set up an EU Quality Framework for Traineeships to give guidance to EU Member States (MS) on the main elements for good traineeships. On 10 January 2023, the EC published an evaluation of this framework and its impact. The evaluation is based on the feedback from public authorities, business representatives and trainees. The evaluation is a deliverable of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan.
The 2014 Quality Framework stipulates 21 principles for good quality traineeships. These principles recommend the conclusion of written traineeship agreements, the setting of learning and training objectives, clarity on working conditions, reasonable duration of the traineeships (not exceeding months), proper recognition of the learning, transparency in the recruitment, promotion of cross-border traineeships, use of EU funds for traineeships (ESF+ and ERDF), and lastly the appropriate implementation of the framework.
In the evaluation report, the respondents to the survey agree that these principles are still relevant and effective now. As a concrete outcome, the report states that the quality framework fostered policy changes in 14 EU Member States by integrating the quality principles in their legislation (for example in Bulgaria or in Luxembourg). However, the respondents also agree that the monitoring and the enforcement of the principles could be strengthened. This is, of course, a significant challenge as the framework has the legal form of a Council Recommendation and is non-binding. Furthermore, the number of cross-border traineeships is increasing, but this positive development is still held back due to the financial barriers and the lack of information on these opportunities. The Erasmus+ programmes, for example, funds traineeships in other European countries.
When it comes to the content of the framework, the respondents suggest a number of elements that could be improved or added, for example, when it comes to traineeship remuneration, access to social protection, and outreach to disadvantaged young people. The current framework only requires that employers clarify whether an allowance or compensation is applicable, but fair remuneration or social protection are not part of the principles. Another element that respondents would like to add is mentorship and further support for young people during their traineeship, as well as post-placement support. Some respondents also call for the inclusion of measures in the principles to address the challenges linked to the increase in remote and hybrid work.
Based on this evaluation, the Commission will propose an update of the framework for quality traineeships in the second half of 2023 in the form of a Council Recommendation. This initiative is part of the European Year of Skills 2023. It would also be possible to include the suggestions of the campaign to ban unpaid internships, that was promoted by the European Youth Forum (EYF), and supported among others by the European Parliament and the Conference on the Future of Europe. To what extent, the Commission and Member States want to take these ideas into account for the updated framework remains to be seen, especially given the national competence in training policy.