Improving the quality of the traineeships : new draft texts presented by the Commission

On 20 March 2024, the European Commission announced the publication of a Draft Directive on improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (‘Traineeships Directive’). If adopted, the Directive should lay down “a common framework of principles and measures to improve and enforce the working conditions of trainees and to combat regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships”.This text is accompanied by a Proposal for a Recommendation, aiming to “improve the quality of traineeships, in particular as regards learning and training content and working conditions, with the aim of easing the transition from education, unemployment or inactivity to work”. A public consultation on the Draft Directive was launched on the European Commission site on 25 March 2024. This consultation should end on 21 May 2024.

The Proposal for a Directive notably integrates the principle of non-discrimination, ensuring that trainees are treated equally in terms of working conditions. Furthermore, the Member States should have to create channels for trainees to report malpractice and poor working conditions. If adopted, the Member States will have 2 years to transpose its requirements in their national system.

The Proposal for a Recommendation indicates, in particular, that people in vulnerable situations should also have an access to traineeship opportunities and that workplaces should be accessible for trainees with disabilities.