Summary
A proposal for a new EU Directive to improve traineeship quality and stop companies from using 'fake' traineeships to avoid paying regular wages. 10 05.05.2026
Other
education
labour law
human rights
young person
social policy
equal treatment
public administration
administrative reform
simplification of legislation
employment and working conditions
Key points
- The proposal aims to establish a common European definition for what constitutes a legitimate traineeship.
- New rules would require written agreements that clearly outline learning objectives, pay, and working conditions.
- The directive introduces measures to prevent companies from using trainees to replace permanent staff positions.
- Trainees must be granted the same level of health and safety protection as regular employees.
Documents (PDFs)
DRAFT OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (‘Traineeships Directive’)
DRAFT REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (‘Traineeships Directive’)
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (‘Traineeships Directive’)
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (‘Traineeships Directive’)
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