Offering traineeships in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe
Join other Northern Dutch companies in creating valuable opportunities for English-speaking trainees! A trainee is usually a junior jobseeker, recently graduated, who is looking forward to taking the first step in their professional life. As an employer, offering traineeships is a smart way to attract young talent to your business, and to train them in the way that fits your business (culture) best.
Have you been doing things in a certain way and think itâs time to get some new perspectives about your workflow? Would you like to enhance your teamâs global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills? Do you want to work with people who can communicate effectively with your international partners and clients? BUT... are you not yet ready to hire an experienced international employee? Then consider an international trainee!Â
Traineeships are a popular way in the Netherlands for graduates to bridge what theyâve learnt during their studies and what work life is truly like. Traineeships can be helpful tools for people who are looking for hands-on experience or specialised training at companies that will help them take the first steps in their career.
Traineeships vs internships
While in some countries the words âtraineeshipâ and âinternshipâ are used interchangeably, here in the Netherlands there is more of a distinction between the two.
Traineeships are relatively long structured learning programmes that can range from 6 months all the way to 2 years. During this time, trainees receive a balance of on-the-job training and formal learning components. A trainee already has a degree, they're not a student anymore. The traineeship is a 'soft landing' in the workplace, where they get more space and opportunity to learn professional skills, and more personal guidance, than on a 'real' job.
On the other hand, internships in the Netherlands are typically short-term arrangements (3 to 6 months) during which students gain practical work experience at a company as obligatory part of their study program. Internships allow students to dip their toes in the water to explore whether a field is right for them without having to make any long-term commitments. Companies who would like an international intern should check out our "internship toolkit for companies"!
Why offer a English-language traineeship in the North?Â
Research shows that while many international students choose to study in cities like Groningen, many end up having to move to the bigger cities in the Randstad because international-friendly 'starter' jobs are few and far between in the North. Which is a shame, because many of these internationals would prefer to stay in the North.
To stay competitive as a region, it's essential that we also offer more junior jobs to English-speaking jobseekers, including traineeships. We need international talent now and even more in the future, as our working population continues to age and retire. These internationals are already motivated to stay in the North. All they need from you is an opportunity to prove themselves!
Finding the right trainee for you
While creating a compelling message in your job vacancies is crucial, itâs equally as important that the actual experience at your company matches the expectations youâre setting.Â
To find the best trainees, itâs recommended that you:
- Identify the desired skills and tasks
Reflect on the tasks and projects that are critical to your company and align them with potential traineesâ interests and academic backgrounds. - Explore relevant fields
Consider the specific fields and topics that resonate with your companyâs needs and the traineesâ aspirations. - Clarify future opportunities
Clearly communicate the potential career paths and job roles available within your company, ensuring alignment with traineesâ long-term goals.
What's equally important is that you have prepared your company to absorb this trainee. Do you have a 'buddy' (or more) who they can go to with all their questions? Is their a mentor who can show them the ropes, who can train them? Do you have clear learning goals or skills you need this trainee to attain, so that you can measure their progress along the way? These will all help immensely to help your trainee AND your company Make it in the North!
How we can help
We make the process of finding your next trainee very simple. Once you've decided what kind of traineeship you would like to offer, it's time to advertise it on our traineeship board!
This is Make it in the North's dedicated space to connect companies with talented people looking for a traineeship. On this board, companies can advertise their open positions while individuals can create a card describing what kind of traineeship they're looking for.
To advertise your traineeship, go to your dashboard, just as you would do if you were posting a regular vacancy. Alternatively, you have a look at a list of people who are looking for a traineeship opportunity right now through the traineeship board. You can check out the list here and then let the person know you're interested in learning more about them.
Going international with AIESEC
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What if youâd like to attract talent from abroad? For 75 years the organisation AIESEC has been sending young trainees to prestigious enterprises, non-profit organisations, and startups globally, aiming to develop the leaders of the future.
AIESEC is an international student-run organisation that facilitates internships for foreign bachelor or master students. They do not participate in this for their studies, but by their own initiative, which makes them particularly motivated.
Are you interested in discovering a world of possibilities to bring talent to the North of the Netherlands? Visit AIESECâs website today!
Boost your venture with international trainees
AIESEC currently has a global pool of 5,000 students available and operates in over 100 countries! AIESEC is a not-for-profit organisation, which allows it to offer trainees at a very fair rate. Aside from that, they also handle many practical matters, such as visas and supporting a traineeâs search for accommodation.
If youâre interested to learn more about AIESEC, visit their website and discover all the possibilities that exist.
