Competition of the Best Internship Provider about to start  

The Estonian Employers’ Confederation is organising the competition of the Best Internship Provider for the sixth year. The aim of the competition is to recognise companies that provide students and vocational students with internships and apprenticeships. The term for applications is 18 April 2021.

According to Arto Aas, CEO of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, last year was new for both companies and trainees. ‘The restrictions caused by the health and economic crisis have changed the way we work and study. However, it did not reduce the value of the internship, as exposure to real working life is absolutely essential.

‘More than 25 thousand vocational students and almost 43 thousand students study in Estonia, and they all have to complete an internship during their studies. Consistent co-operation between schools and employers is the only guarantee that the education provided meets the real needs of the labour market,’ Arto Aas noted.

‘An internship is actually a win-win situation and an opportunity for both the trainee and the workplace.  A successful internship will hone the skills required in the position being studied, but it also brings novelty to the company and allows to notice excellent trainees, who will later be hired for the team,’ the CEO of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation said.

The best internships are selected in four categories: the main prize, or recognition as the Best Internship Provider, is awarded to an employer who has systematically and consistently engaged in the provision of internship and workplace-based learning and has shared their knowledge with others. The award for Best Regional Internship Provider will be awarded to an employer whose activities have also benefitted the local community. Recognition for the Best Small Business Internship will be given to an employer who, despite their smallness, addresses the topic systematically and consistently and sees it as an opportunity to grow their business. In addition, an award will be given to the Best Provider of Internships for Foreign Students.

Statistics Estonia has recently introduced a study on the contribution of foreign students to the Estonian economy. Last year alone, they brought tax revenue to the state in the amount of 13 million euros. Furthermore, they make our labour market more diverse. ‘Cooperation with international students in the form of internships is one way for companies to alleviate labour shortages. Also, providing young people with an internship helps them to integrate into society,’ Aas added.

Enterprises, vocational education institutions, universities of applied sciences, and universities are invited to nominate enterprises and foundations that have provided internship or apprenticeship opportunities during 2020. To participate in the competition, please fill in the questionnaire on 18 April, at the latest. You can fill in the questionnaire HERE.

In previous years, the following employers have received recognition: Magnetic MRO AS, PCC Projekt AS, Eesti Energia AS, SEB Pank, ABB AS, SA Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla, Swedbank AS, Naudingumaitse OÜ, Wendre AS, Fortaco Estonia OÜ, TOP Marine OÜ, Hanza Mechanics Tartu AS and Gurmeeklubi OÜ, Ericsson Eesti AS, Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia, Velvet OÜ,  Wermo AS, SA Pärnu Haigla.

In addition to the award, the employer receiving recognition as the Best Internship Provider will be presented with a special label to use on their website, in promotional materials, and publications. The competition is organised by the Estonian Employers’ Confederation in cooperation with the Education and Youth Board and the Ministry of Education and Research. The competition is funded by the Republic of Estonia, the European Social Fund, and the Estonian Employers’ Confederation.