Traineeships can be described as ‘work practice'. They give the trainee the chance to log some work experience hours and usually run from a few weeks to six months. There can be a blurred line between a trainee and someone working through their probationary period after having been hired. This is something that is clarified in the terms of the job contract.

Merits for trainees obtained during an international virtual traineeship:

• connection between education and work,
• new learning opportunities,
• opportunities to develop skills,
• becoming familiar with an international working environment,
• increasing awareness of a different culture,
• International experience on a business level,
• Beneficial personal experience,
• A role in the company growth plan,
• Students’ education is made relevant to the business and social context.

How to prepare for a virtual traineeship?

• Evaluate your personal preferences,
• Ask more experienced peers and your teachers for guidance,
• Find a mentor,
• Document your success and store your proofs of your professional activities and achievements,
• Learn a new job-oriented skill,
• Volunteer to work on a challenging project,
• Expand your network,
• Set a strategic goal for your career,
• Be active in your traineeship position search,
• Take a risk and try something new,
• Keep up with technologies,
• Educate yourself on social media and build your presence there,
• Join online industry groups and do networking,
• Focus on your image (appearance), and
• Update your CV.

In order to find a traineeship, different strategies can be used;

•  Identify your career interests,
• Identify your strongest skills and thorough knowledge areas,
• Network with your career counsellor, alumni, friends, family members etc,
• Attend career events: fairs and days,
• Contact employers by telephone, email, or online,
• Visit companies on site,
• Check out online resources and facilities.

Prior to carrying out an international virtual traineeship, students should be appropriately trained by a telework tutor of the sending educational institution. A telework coordinator is also needed that provides advocacy, telework implementation support and monitors virtual educational data collection and storage.

The digital mentor appointed by the company manager works closely with the trainee and the virtual tutor of the VET provider.