The Digital Opportunity traineeship initiative will provide cross-border traineeships for up to 6,000 students and recent graduates between 2018 and 2020. The aim is to give students of all disciplines the opportunity to get hands on digital experience in fields demanded by the market.
Many companies say that young people leaving education are not ready for the workplace. More than 40% of business in Europe looking for ICT specialists say they have difficulty finding the right people. The Commission sets up the “Digital Opportunity” traineeship scheme to help respond to the challenge.
The Digital Opportunity traineeship
The Digital Opportunity trainees will strengthen ICT specific skills, in fields like cybersecurity, big data, quantum technology and machine learning or boost digital skills for business in areas like web design, digital marketing, and software development. The first traineeships can start in June 2018. The pilot project is financed by Horizon 2020 and implemented through Erasmus+. The trainees receive an allowance for 2-12 months, in line with Erasmus+ rules and procedures.
How do students apply?
Students apply through their university, according to the timing and procedures established by the university for Erasmus+ traineeships. Recent graduates can do traineeships within 12 months after graduation and provided that they have applied before the graduation.
How do companies get involved?
Digital Opportunity Traineeships help companies – from SMEs and startups to large corporations – to find people who are ready to use and improve their digital skills. Airbus, Siemens, Microsoft, Seat and many smaller tech businesses and startups have already benefited from this initiative.
Companies who are members of the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition and businesses active in Horizon 2020, are at the core of the initiative, but all companies are welcome to offer digital traineeships and help to create the talent of tomorrow.
Offering a Digital Opportunity Traineeship means:
- Access to candidates with strong skills and motivation
- Access to candidates from other countries
- Bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the everyday work
- Financial contribution for trainees provided by the EU
- Low administrative burden
- Taking concrete action to address the growing digital skills gap in Europe
Companies willing to host trainees should publish their offers on ErasmusIntern or Drop’pin, or advertise them through direct contacts with universities career offices.
Please follow this operational guide (.pdf) to get a Digital Opportunity Trainee in your company.
To find out more about how trainees can boost your company’s performance, send an email or check the dedicated website.
Official Website:Digital Opportunity Traineeships 2021
