Strengthening Quality Traineeships

Executive Summary

HOTREC acknowledges the European Commission’s proposals for a Directive on Traineeships and a Council Recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships (QFT). More clarity is needed however, especially for SMEs.

HOTREC’s main priorities on the Traineeships Directive are as follows:

• It is unclear what type of traineeship is addressed. If the intention is to cover openmarket traineeships, part of a labour relationship, this should be clearly explained.
• In countries where open-market traineeships exist, the trainee is already protected by national labour law or collective bargaining, as there is a labour relationship. Further legislation is not needed.
• The Directive should not create a new category of worker at EU level.
• Red tape should be cut, where possible, and reasonable timeframes considered, especially for SMEs.
• Definitions of traineeship and trainee are inconsistent.
• Collective bargaining agreements should be able to derogate from the Directive.
• There should not be an overlap between apprenticeship schemes and open-market traineeships.
• Instead of a new Directive, a revision of the Council Recommendation on QFT is more appropriate.

On the Council Recommendation on a reinforced QFT:

• All traineeships should not be included, subsidiarity must prevail.
• Remuneration should not be made compulsory, compensation is often a fair alternative.

Read our full position by clicking on the link below.