This year brings an important new opportunity for vocational education and training (VET) graduates: for the first time, the European Commission’s Blue Book Traineeship programme includes a dedicated traineeship strand for candidates with vocational qualifications. 

The Blue Book Traineeship programme is a five-month paid traineeship that gives participants the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience in a multicultural European environment. Trainees develop their professional skills while gaining first-hand insight into the work of the European Commission, its departments and services. 

With the introduction of the new Administrative Traineeship for Vocational Education and Training graduates (ADMIN VET), candidates with eligible VET qualifications now have a dedicated strand within the Blue Book programme. It focuses particularly on practical, work-based experience, allowing trainees to apply the vocational skills and knowledge acquired during their education in a professional environment. 

VET trainees can carry out practical and job-related tasks connected to their field of training, apply their technical or professional skills in a real working environment and contribute to the daily activities of Commission departments and services under the guidance of an adviser. Placements are mainly based in Brussels and Luxembourg. 

Who can apply? 

The new VET strand is open to candidates who have successfully completed a VET qualification corresponding to European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level 3, 4 or 5, or an equivalent qualification under a National Qualifications Framework.  

Applicants also need to meet the programme’s language and other eligibility requirements. For EU nationals, this includes knowledge of two official EU languages, with the first being English, French or German at a minimum B2 level and the second another official EU language at a minimum A2 level. 

More information about the requirements is available on the European Commission’s eligibility criteria for VET graduates page. 

Applications are open until 4 September 2026 

Applications for the March 2027 Blue Book Traineeship session opened on 22 July 2026 and will close on 4 September 2026 at 10:00 Brussels time. The traineeship itself will run from 1 March to 31 July 2027. 

Candidates can apply online by creating an EU Login account, completing the application form and uploading the required supporting documents. Applicants interested in the VET strand should select ADMIN VET when choosing their traineeship type. 

You can find detailed instructions and steps on the European Commission’s How to apply for the VET traineeship page. 

If you are a VET graduate looking for an opportunity to gain professional experience in a European environment, consider applying for the Blue Book Traineeship. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline on 4 September 2026 at 10:00 Brussels time. Good luck to all applicants!