European Railway Agency - ERA Traineeships

ERA Traineeship (European Union Agency for Railways)

You will be offered a monthly grant of about 1,087 EUR for an internship lasting up to 10 months at the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) in Valenciennes, northern France. The Agency will also reimburse your travel expenses to and from Valenciennes and provide you with paid leave. You will be able to take part in training courses normally reserved for ERA staff, and a personal mentor will support you throughout your placement. The ERA is committed to making Europe’s rail networks safer and better connected, and recruits recent graduates to support them in their day-to-day work.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a university degree or an equivalent qualification based on a course of study lasting at least three years.
• Nationality: You are a national of one of the 27 EU Member States, or of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway.
• English: You speak and write English very well.
• Second language: You have a good knowledge of a second official EU language other than your mother tongue.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Prior traineeships: Places will be allocated primarily to candidates who have not yet completed a placement at an EU institution, agency or body. You may still apply if you have already completed a placement, but you will be given lower priority in the selection process.

How to apply

You can only apply if the ERA publishes a call for expressions of interest. Applications submitted outside the scope of such a call will not be considered. You must complete the official form and email it to the Agency’s traineeship office. The last application round closed on 31 December, and the next call for applications is usually published in November.

How realistic are your chances?

As this is a single EU agency with only a few internship places available, competition is extremely fierce. Your chances are better if you clearly meet the language requirements and have not yet completed an EU internship, as the agency gives priority to such applicants. Make sure you prepare your application form well in advance, as the application window is only open for a short period each year.