Erasmus+ Traineeships: a guide for Employers

The benefits of employing a student on their semester or year abroad are multiple. You will not only be investing in tomorrow’s talent, but you will also get a passionate, young and fresh member added to your team. It’s no secret that commerce is going global, and what better way to start (or continue) your breakthrough into international markets than getting a talented linguist on your side.

Although guides for students are ten a penny, there is relatively little information for employers, regarding contracting a student as part of the Erasmus+ Traineeship, so we have devised a quick how to guide, to help you internationalise your team and grow your business.

1. What are the requirements for the Erasmus+ Traineeship?

33 countries currently participate in the Erasmus programme and over 4,000 Higher Education Institutions hold an Erasmus University Charter. The people entitled to apply are those in Higher Education, either on a short course such as an HND or those undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Traineeships range from 3 months (or 2 months if the student is on a short course) to a year. The Erasmus+ programme also pays a grant to each student eligible for the scheme, ranging from €350-€400 a month, depending on the country they visit. Employers are encouraged to pay students a salary on top of this grant, to help them with their lodging and living expenses.

2. What are the contractual agreements between student, Higher Education Institution and employer?

As an employer, you are required to work in partnership with the Higher Education Institution, liaising with their international staff in order to ensure the placement is as beneficial to the student as it will be for your organisation. A Learning Agreement and a Mobility Agreement between student/employer/Higher Education Institution are drawn up and signed by all three members, to ensure a contract is put in place. This in turn ensures that all parties are aware of their mutual obligations, rights and responsibilities, which will in turn be reflected in the amount of learning and training a student would gain in the role in question. The agreement which will cover the key components of the work to be undertaken (a job description), the intended learning outcomes and a range of other matters as per the employer, university and student in question. Assessment will also be agreed between the employer and the Higher Education Institution.

3. How can a position be advertised?

Whether you're looking for a summer intern, an Erasmus+ trainee or a graduate recruit, you can post your role on our site! The benefit of this over getting in touch directly with universities and Higher Education Institutions themselves, is that you attract candidates from across Europe and can cherry pick the best of the bunch, rather than just the best from one particular university. Many international recruitment agencies offer the chance for you to advertise your internship - you could also approach graduate recruitment agencies, offering a paid temporary placement. Eures, the European Jobs Portal is supported by the European Commission and the Erasmus scheme. Their advisers and recruiters will be able to advise you on what to include (location, salary, brief description of responsibilities, overview of your company etc) to ensure you attract a wide range of candidates. The site is used across the European Union.

4. What are the benefits of contracting an Erasmus student?

The benefits are multiple; you will be gaining a fresh new member who can actively contribute to the team, undertake tasks in a foreign language, apply him or herself across activities and help build their career. Students are now more business-savvy than they ever were, meaning you are more likely to adopt someone who is passionate about learning on the job, to help boost their CV. As a result, you will gain an extra hand that is eager to get stuck in. Even better? You could keep track of your trainee while they finish their degree, and scoop them up on graduation - a new recruit who's already worked for you for 3-12 months and already knows the ins and outs of your business! Who could ask for more?!

5. Where can I get more information about the Erasmus+ Traineeship?

You can visit the British Council’s dedicated page to find out more and get in touch with your National Agency to speak to an adviser.