trainee

A trainee is a person who undergoes training to develop skills for a particular job or field. Trainees participate in structured programs or on-the-job training that combines instruction with supervised practice. The term is widely used across industries such as manufacturing, service sectors, information technology, finance, and government, and can apply to students, recent graduates, or workers changing careers.

Compared with an apprentice, who typically enters a formal long-term program that combines paid work with classroom instruction, a trainee is often in a shorter or more modular arrangement focused on acquiring specific competencies. An intern generally refers to a temporary position for gaining experience, often part of education or training requirements; a trainee may be employed with a broader goal of becoming a skilled employee.

Programs may include mentorship, hands-on tasks, classroom modules, e-learning, job rotations, and assessments. Duration varies from a few weeks to several years; some programs culminate in certification or admission to a professional track.

During training, trainees may receive compensation; some programs offer stipends or wage subsidies. Upon successful completion, trainees may receive a certificate, credential, or guaranteed opportunity for advancement to a permanent role, depending on performance and organizational needs.

In many jurisdictions, trainees benefit from labor or apprenticeship protections relating to wages, hours, and safety. Trainee programs are used to develop skilled workers while addressing workforce needs across sectors.