What is virtual platform?

Virtual platform is an online space that should represent a meeting point for students that are looking for virtual internships and for firms that would like to offer the internships to students in the form of some tasks. These tasks can be completed by interns at home and send online to the manager of the firm.

The virtual platform connects:

• Students of schools in agro and food industry sector as applicants for internships,

• Schools in agro and food industry sector that allow their students to take part in internships (VET schools),

• Food and agro-industry companies offering internships and looking for trainees.

The virtual platform can include information about the types of internships offered by firms and also information about students involved in the internship program. Based on these data, policy makers can provide analysis and also in advance develop monitoring and support policies for implementation internships higher of quality by:

• Statistics and monitoring:
  At national and European level, there should be available statistics about internships with a singular attention to:

  • the average length of internships,

  • the number of internships available,

  • the age groups of interns,

  • the allowances paid to interns,

  • the social benefits being made available for interns,

• Legal framework and recognition of skills:

  • “Internships should be given a place in the national legislation and employers should be provided assistance to any legal enquiries related to the implementation process;

  • At the European level there should be mechanisms in place to promote the exchange of best practices in the area and the implication of the main criteria that define quality internships;

  • National and European systems for certification and recognition of knowledge and skills acquired though internships should be in place to further support to smooth integration of young people in the labour market and support youth labour mobility.” (European Quality Charter on Internships and Apprenticeships)