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’)
CULT-AD-767866
Committee on Culture and Education · Rapporteur: Nicola Zingaretti
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The Committee on Culture and Education proposes amendments to the proposed directive on improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships.¶¶ The amendments add quality criteria for traineeships, including a learning and training component, a supervisor or mentor, validation of skills, and a written agreement.¶¶ They require equal treatment with comparable regular employees on pay and social protection, and measures against discrimination and harassment.¶¶¶ They set a time limit for excessive duration of traineeships, require information in vacancy notices, and ban requiring previous work experience.¶¶¶ They require Member States to collect uniform data, ensure access to dispute resolution, and involve social partners in implementation.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Culture and Education proposes amendments to the lead Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, adding quality criteria, equal treatment provisions, access measures and data collection requirements to the proposed directive.¶¶
Key points
- The 2014 Recommendation's 21 principles should cover quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of traineeships, with a high quality learning and training component.¶
- Member States should take the 2014 Recommendation into account when implementing the directive, mainly supporting young people at risk of exclusion.¶
- Labour shortages exist in many occupations, in particular in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) careers, and in green, digital and other emerging sectors.¶
- Traineeships should be accessible to all young people, including those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs), and should not replace regular employment.¶¶
- The absence of pay for traineeships exacerbates inequalities and lowers chances of securing a stable job.¶
- The directive should apply to trainees undertaking a traineeship on the basis of a contractual relationship, irrespective of its nature or designation by the parties.¶
- Member States should simplify and speed up validation and recognition of degrees, diplomas, qualifications and skills, moving towards mutual recognition without increased administrative burden.¶
- A learning and training component covering skills such as communication, analytical and organisational skills should be agreed by the trainee and provider by the beginning of the traineeship.¶
- Member States should ensure economic, social and educational measures to improve access to traineeships, particularly for people with fewer opportunities.¶
- Member States should ensure that pay includes the possibility to cover a subsistence allowance for costs such as travel, food and accommodation.¶
- Member States should put in place mechanisms to improve wellbeing and safety of trainees and to prevent, address, and report harassment or discrimination.¶
- Member States should ensure that traineeships are recognised as valid work experience in recruitment processes, including cross-border recognition within the Union.¶
Who is affected
- Trainees in the Union, who gain rights to equal treatment, quality criteria, dispute resolution and protection from harassment.¶¶¶
- Employers and traineeship providers, who must provide information, learning components, supervision and written agreements.¶¶¶
- Member States, which must implement measures on access, data collection, inspections and social dialogue.¶¶¶
- Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and non-governmental organisations, which should receive support to meet quality standards.¶¶
- People with fewer opportunities, including those with disabilities, who should have equal access and adapted workplaces.¶¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- 21 principles for traineeships recommended in the 2014 Recommendation.¶
- Young people under the age of 30 should receive an offer within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving education.¶
- A reasonable maximum duration of traineeships should not exceed six months.¶
- Member States shall communicate information to the Commission by 3 years after the date of transposition.¶