There is a difference between an internship and a traineeship, yet they are often confused with each other. Although both are programmes where a person gains practical experience in a professional environment, there are important differences. But what exactly is the difference between a traineeship and an internship?
Traineeship vs internship, what is the difference?
A traineeship is a programme usually aimed at (recent) graduates who want to develop into fully-fledged professionals within a specific industry. It can range from a few months to a few years and consists of a combination of theoretical training and practical experience in a company. Traineeships are designed to give trainees a chance to develop skills and learn how an organisation works.
An internship, or traineeship, is a programme often aimed at students who want to gain practical experience in a particular field while still studying. It is usually of shorter duration, e.g. a few weeks to a few months. An internship is designed to give students a chance to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained at school in practice and to learn how an organisation works.
Work of a trainee vs intern
A trainee and intern perform different types of work. Trainees are often assigned to specific projects and tasks within the organisation and are expected to contribute to the day-to-day activities of the organisation. In some cases, trainees may also work on specific assignments or conduct research to help the organisation improve its operations.
An intern, on the other hand, is often a student who wants to gain practical experience in the field in which he or she is studying. Interns are usually assigned to specific projects and tasks to develop their skills and knowledge. An intern’s level of involvement in the organisation’s activities may be more limited than that of a trainee, and interns often work under the supervision of more experienced staff.
Difference in contract duration
There are also differences in the contract of a strainee vs intern. An intern often works for a shorter period, usually for a few weeks to a few months. A trainee, on the other hand, from a few months to several years, depending on the programme and the organisation.
Generally, an intern will sign an internship contract, while a trainee will often get a traineeship contract. Both describe the responsibilities and expectations of the intern or trainee, as well as the duration of the programme and the conditions for termination of the contract. The contract also often defines the obligations and responsibilities of the organisation and insurance for the trainee or intern.
Different goals during an internship and a traineeship
The purpose of an internship is mainly to give students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field in which they are studying. It aims to help students improve their knowledge and skills and prepare them for their future careers. Internships give students a chance to apply the theory they have learnt in practice and expand their network. An internship can help identify areas in which the student needs further development before entering the job market.
A traineeship aims to develop talents and skills in recent graduates. The aim of a traineeship is to help graduates develop their professional skills and integrate into the organisation. Traineeships usually focus on specific professions or fields, and offer the trainee the chance to gain experience and learn from more experienced colleagues. It can also be a way for organisations to identify and attract talent for future positions within the company.
Difference in application procedure
In general, the application process for a traineeship vs an internship is a lot more intensive. For example, a student can simply submit a CV and cover letter and possibly be invited for an interview with the internship supervisor. For internships, there is often less emphasis on finding the “perfect” candidate, as the aim is mainly to help students gain practical experience and knowledge.
For traineeships, on the other hand, the application process can often be longer and more formal, as organisations are looking for candidates with specific skills and potential for future positions within the company. For example, a candidate may be asked to fill in an extensive application form and take an assessment or test. This is usually followed by several interviews with different people within the organisation, including managers and employees.
Salary vs internship remuneration
Traineeships are usually unpaid or pay only a modest internship fee. When you follow a traineeship, you usually get an entry-level salary. So a trainee’s salary is a lot higher than an intern’s. Not very surprising either: a trainee often has no diploma yet, while a trainee has already graduated. You can find more information on trainee remuneration in this blog: LINK.
Does a traineeship or internship suit you?
Have you become enthusiastic about a traineeship after reading this blog? And are you curious whether it would suit you? Contact us and we will be happy to help you!Interested? Contact us via chat, the contact form or by phone on 010 304 20 70. We aim to call you back as soon as possible and answer all your questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
