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What does it cost?
There is no employer participation fee for the IAESTE Programme in Ireland. Transport and accommodation costs are borne by the student. Where necessary, non-transferable non-extendable work permits are issued through IAESTE Ireland and are not charged to the employer. Therefore the only cost associated with the programme is the trainee's salary. This must be sufficient to cover the local cost of living and accommodation, and at least at minimum wage level (currently €8.65 per hour).
How do I offer a traineeship?
If you would like to offer a traineeship, please complete the Offer of Training Form in as much detail as possible. The information supplied on this form will be used to match a candidate with your traineeship, so all requirements should be listed.
Can I offer more than one traineeship?
Employers may offer the same type of traineeship to multiple students, or offer traineeships in different areas. Please note that if different types of traineeship are offered, a separate Offer of Training form should be completed for each one.
Can I offer a traineeship after the January deadline?
Absolutely. However, the exchange procedure is a little different. Offers received after the General Conference are exchanged via the IAESTE Intraweb. The offer will be visible to all IAESTE member countries and any country with a suitable candidate can contact the IAESTE Ireland office to nominate a student.
I would like to offer a traineeship to a specific student. Can this be arranged through IAESTE?
Traineeships offered to specific students are termed ‘reserved offers' and may be arranged through IAESTE providing certain conditions are met:
The traineeship must be in the area of Science, IT, Engineering or Architecture, and the training period can not exceed 52 weeks.
The trainee involved must be accepted as a member by IAESTE in their country of origin/residence (the designated ‘sending country').
If the trainee requires a work permit, this can not be extended under any circumstances. Please also note that IAESTE Ireland can provided assistance but does not usually arrange accommodation for trainees on reserved offers. If you would like to make a reserved offer, please contact the IAESTE Ireland office.
Can IAESTE cater for special requests?
For all types of traineeships, employers may specify the study field, experience and academic achievement level required of the trainee on the offer form. Requests for specific nationalities (e.g. when a company is foreign-owned and would like to employ a student from the owner's country) may also be made, and are considered limited offers. IAESTE Ireland will make every effort to meet employer requests.
How are candidates nominated?
Once an offer is exchanged, the IAESTE committee in that country selects the candidate most suitable for the particular offer. In the event that a suitable candidate can not be found in that country, the offer is returned to IAESTE Ireland and opened up to other IAESTE countries. All nominations are screened for suitability by IAESTE Ireland before being sent to the employer.
What information about the candidate will I receive?
The IAESTE nomination pack will include the student's CV, cover letter, subjects studied and grades achieved to date, and an information form showing when they wish to take up the traineeship. References from employers or academics may also be included. Architecture students submit a full portfolio in addition to the nomination pack.
What if I am not happy with the nomination?
The final decision regarding acceptance of a student lies entirely with the employer. If there are any questions about the candidate, phone or email interviews can be arranged. In the event that the candidate is not deemed suitable, IAESTE in the sending country has a chance to nominate an alternative student. If no alternative is available, the offer may be opened up to all IAESTE countries via the intraweb.
What is the trainees' standard of English?
All nominated candidates speak English to a good level and most have undertaken English language courses at university. If the level required is particularly high (e.g. if the trainee will be dealing extensively with the public) this can be noted on the offer form. English standards are assessed by IAESTE in the sending country, and can be re-assessed by IAESTE Ireland in a phone interview if required.
Where do the trainees stay while in Ireland?
Generally, accommodation is arranged by IAESTE Ireland and students may stay in halls of residence, or in shared housing. While accommodation is ultimately the responsibility of IAESTE Ireland, we are extremely grateful when assistance can be offered by employers in arranging accommodation.
What if a trainee needs a work permit or visa?
A single, non-transferable, non-extendable work permit can be arranged for a trainee through IAESTE Ireland at no cost to the employer. Full details of the process will be provided at the time of candidate nomination. Visas are issued by the Irish Embassy or Consulate in the trainee's home country.
Can the traineeship be extended?
Traineeships for EEA trainees can usually be extended with the agreement of the employer, trainee and IAESTE Ireland. As work permits can not be extended under any circumstances it is not possible to extend traineeships of non-EEA trainees.
Are trainees insured?
It is a condition of the progamme that all trainees arrange personal insurance prior to participation.
Are any group activities organised for trainees?
IAESTE Ireland operates a student hosting progamme during the summer months. Usually five weekend trips are arranged, including a visit to each province of the country. The trips are subsidised to keep costs to students down, and enable them to see as much of Ireland as possible. Other social events are arranged throughout the year, and all trainees have access to a central mailing group to communicate with each other.
What if I experience problems with my trainee?
If an employer is unhappy with a trainee for any reason, they should inform the IAESTE office. IAESTE Ireland and the national committee in the trainee's sending country will attempt to resolve the problem to the satisfaction of all concerned.
What happens after the traineeship ends?
All trainees receive a certificate of completion of traineeship from IAESTE and generally return to their home countries. Employers are requested to complete a Report Form about their experience of the traineeship, a copy of which is sent to IAESTE in the trainee's home country. All employers are invited to attend the IAESTE Ireland Trainee of the Year Award, in November each year. This offers an opportunity to meet other participating employers as well as that year's Irish trainees.