I often receive queries from students about work experience opportunities in the European Union.  Please find below some information which I hope you will find useful.

Traineeships in the EU Institutions

Competition for places is high, but this scheme offers a unique opportunity to find out what working for the institutions is really like.

The European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Ombudsman all organise traineeships, each lasting between three and five months. Candidates must have a university degree.

A trainee may receive a modest living allowance during his/her traineeship. There are also some unpaid traineeships, where a trainee receives a scholarship or other allowance.

How to Apply

For most competitions, candidates should apply online.

For people with a disability that prevents them from submitting their application online there are, of course, special arrangements.

Further information about traineeships can be obtained online at:

European Parliament

Council of European Union

European Commission

Court of Justice

Court of Auditors

Committee of the Regions

European Ombudsman

Opportunities in the UK

There are a number of UK based internship opportunities available, which can be cheaper too.

• You could offer to work in the UK office of a local MEP. For more information about working for an MEP and other offices click here.

• You could ask about work experience in the London, Cardiff or Edinburgh Office of the European Parliament and Commission. For more information on local European Parliament offices click here. For more information on local European Commission offices click here.

Work Experience in my offices in Manchester or the European Parliament

Applicants who wish to undertake a period of work experience in my Manchester office, are requested to send in a letter of motivation and CV for consideration.  All applicants are required to complete an administration test, prior to a placement being agreed.

Express Networks

1 George Leigh Street

Manchester M4 5DL

Telephone: 0161 906 0801 Fax: 0161 906 0802

Email: arlene.mccarthy@easynet.co.uk

Brussels Office

Each year, I advertise for a stagiere to work in my Brussels office for a 12 month placement. The placement runs from August to July and a living allowance is payable. A job description and application details appear on my website during the early part of each summer.

ASP 13G205

European Parliament

Rue Wiertz

B -1047

Brussels

Telephone: +32 2 284 7501 Fax: +00 32 2 284 9501

Email: arlene.mccarthy@europarl.europa.eu