When you start college, in the very first days of class you will hear about these two types of programs that encourage entry into the job market. And it is very common for a question to come up: what is the difference between an internship and a trainee program?
In this content, we will mention the main points of each so that you know which one is best for you. Both are interesting for those pursuing an undergraduate degree, but they work in different ways, and the idea here is to explain those points.
The Internship Program
To understand the difference between an internship and a trainee program, let’s start by talking about the internship.
An internship is a type of program that allows higher education students to work in their respective fields while they study, usually on the opposite shift.
Thus, the intern’s main goal is to learn and work in their field of study, in order to gain learning that complements their academic education. That is why it is so often seen as a mandatory requirement in the curriculum.
In this type of incentive for entering the job market, there is no need to use the CLT (Brazil’s Consolidation of Labor Laws) as the rule. Therefore, other professional regulations may apply, defined by an internship contract.
This way, the intern may or may not be hired by the company at the end of their undergraduate degree, depending on the managers’ interest.
Who the Internship Program Is For
Besides higher education students, there are also internship programs for those in high school or technical courses. It is worth noting that positions are predetermined for each field and course, with no need for “job rotation”.
In Brazil, the maximum length of an internship is usually 2 years. Unlike trainees, who are taken on to fill higher positions, in the case of internships the idea is to replace these staff members every 2 years, at least, without the need for an employment relationship.
Either way, someone in college may have to do an internship as a mandatory course or simply out of interest in learning more about their work. The good news is that, if they perform excellently, they have a great chance of being hired.
The Trainee Program
Now let’s look at the difference between an internship and a trainee program.
A trainee program takes place only in the last year of the undergraduate degree or after the student has already graduated (within 3 years). Its goal, then, is their practical training in the workplace.
The trainee almost always works under a system called “job rotation”, which means they will go through several roles in the company in a short time in order to enhance their skills during the program.
The trainee contract has the same rights and duties as a formally employed professional, although some items, such as hours worked, may change. This type of work program usually lasts between 6 months and 3 years, and may vary.
It is most common for the trainee to be seen as an asset of the company. It is therefore an investment made by the company, as the trainee is steered toward management paths over time.
Who the Trainee Program Is For
This type of incentive for training managers at large companies is one of the most competitive selection processes in our country. After all, besides all the benefits of working under the CLT, candidates know they will have a path that can lead to a management position.
In addition, the difference between an internship and a trainee program also lies in earnings. Salaries tend to be much more attractive for trainees, for example. But to get there, you need to go through several stages and show you are ready to take on challenges and make decisions within the company.
The roles can vary widely depending on the employer’s needs and expectations. To give you an idea, a recent civil engineering graduate can apply to trainee programs at banks, law firms and various other companies in any field.
Why Study at FAPUGA
We have seen the difference between an internship and a trainee program on several points. But you may not have taken the first step yet, which is enrolling in a college. If that is your case, we invite you to learn a little more about FAPUGA.
FAPUGA is the right higher education institution for those near the East Zone of São Paulo. It offers on-campus business administration and hospital management programs (with 60% of classes held on site, in Tatuapé).
The programs include a curricular internship, which is available from the 7th semester. See what FAPUGA says: “it is the student’s first professional opportunity in the job market, helping with career development and personal life”.
The institution also has agreements with companies, and from these it should be possible to have an additional career immersion, such as the trainee program. “It is an excellent way to carry out tasks and prove your technical skills in the job market”.
Get to know the FAPUGA programs: On-Campus Business Administration and On-Campus Hospital Management.
