The ECB's traineeship programme offers you the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge you acquired during your studies and get a better understanding of what working for Europe entails.

As a trainee you will gain an insight into the ECB’s activities and contribute to the ECB’s mission. The tasks performed by you as a trainee are supervised and vary according to the unit you join. Some examples include research, drawing up draft reports, compiling statistical data, performing operational tasks and participating in ad hoc studies.

Who can apply
Students, including PhD students, or recent graduates can apply for a traineeship.

Candidates should:

• be at least 18 years old;
• be a national of a Member State of the EU or of an acceding country;
• have completed at least a first cycle qualification (bachelor’s degree);
• be fluent in English and in another official language of the EU.

Following their most recent qualification candidates should:

• have a maximum of 12 months’ professional experience;
• have been a trainee for no more than six months;
• not have been an ECB trainee or have worked for the ECB previously.

Application process
If you would like to apply for a traineeship at the ECB then you should submit your application via our online recruitment system. Please upload any supporting documentation, i.e. letter(s) of recommendation from employers or professors, directly in the electronic application form. Before you apply, make sure you also read the general “How to apply” page.

How to apply
The selection process starts on the closing date of the vacancy notice and usually takes around three months, unless there is a very large number of applications (e.g. for specific traineeship programmes).

Please note: If you have been shortlisted you will receive a phone call from us to schedule a phone or Skype interview. Please make sure that we are able to reach you. Interviews for traineeships take place via telephone or Skype.

When the selection is completed, you will be informed by e-mail of the outcome. You will either:

• receive a traineeship offer;
• be notified that you are on a reserve list as you have been assessed as a suitable candidate;
• be informed that your application has not been successful.

If you did not get an offer or are on a reserve list you may still apply for other traineeship vacancies.