Final days to submit candidates to the Best Internship Provider competition

There are still a couple days left to submit candidates to the ‘Best Internship Provider 2021’ competition, organised by the Estonian Employers’ Confederation for the sixth year, already. The aim of the competition is to recognise companies that provide students and vocational students with internships and apprenticeships. Applications can be submitted until 18 April 2021.

Enterprises, vocational education institutions, universities of applied sciences, and universities are invited to nominate establishments that have provided internship or apprenticeship opportunities during 2020.

Egle Saska, the HR Business Partner at PCC Projekt, which won in the small enterprises category last year, characterises the competition as a commendable and necessary endeavour. ‘The Estonian Employers’ Confederation organises a commendable competition that offers the possibility to participate to both major and smaller players. There is also a separate category for employers in the region and those who best involve foreign students.’

‘Participating in the competition provided us with an excellent opportunity to evaluate our activities as an internship provider; we gained new ideas and learnt new methods. Taking part in the competition gave us contacts with employers that applied in the same year; we continue to communicate with them. In addition, we were able to use the experience gained in the competition and the attention given to us in the marketing and brand communication of the organisation,’ said the HR Business Partner of PCC Projekt.

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. More specific information and the terms and conditions can be found on the website of the Employers’ Confederation.

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 small size, 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.

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, 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.

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.