According to the order published today by the Regional Assistant Secretary for External Relations in the Official Journal, the application period for traineeships at the Representation Office of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Brussels runs from January 1 to 31 for the first traineeship period beginning on March 1. In turn, the submission of applications for the second traineeship period starting on November 1 takes place between September 1 and 30.
 
The traineeships have a duration of three months and may be extended for equal periods up to a maximum of nine months. The initiative is aimed at young people up to the age of 30 who hold bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees.
 
The Government will allocate a monthly scholarship in the amount of 1600 Euros. This is a financial compensation intended to cover the costs of accommodation and meals during the traineeship period. In addition to the scholarship, the Government will also support the payment of insurance fees and a round trip air ticket from the student's residence to the country where the traineeship is taking place.
 
The criteria for selection of applicants comprise four components: curriculum evaluation, motivation letter, foreign working language test and written selection test. The latter will assess fluency in Portuguese, critical sense and innovation, argumentative skills and knowledge on European matters.
 
These traineeships are part of the "Europe Training" programme. They intend to create conditions for young people to acquire practical knowledge in an actual working environment at European Institutions as well as at Regional Government's departments and services in the European Union. It also makes good use of regional, interregional or community structures.
 
The "Europe Training" programme aims to promote greater awareness among young people for the organisation and functioning of the EU and to strengthen their social and professional skills. Moreover, the traineeships encourage the recruitment and integration of young people who have a significant knowledge about the Region into the senior staff of European institutions. Hence, these young people will be able to represent the Region through European and international cooperation services, defending regional interests in various fields of External Policy.
 
The "Europe Training" programme is open to applicants up to the age of 30 at the beginning of traineeship period who have completed their secondary or university education in the Region. Applicants are required to hold a bachelor's, a master's or a doctoral degree.
 
For further clarification, those who are interested should contact the Office of the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations at the email [email protected] or by telephone 296 204 700.