The European Commission launches the "We Mean Business" campaign, which aims to encourage companies to create more trainee placements to boost young people's skills and employability. At the same time, traineeships can help young people make a smooth transition from education and training to a first good job. Placements can also bring benefits to companies, enabling them to identify potentially excellent future employees who could, with their fresh ideas, be key to future productivity and competitiveness.

In 2012-2013, the Commission will provide funding support for a total of 280.000 placements through its Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus schemes for vocational and higher education students.
Surveys highlight that few companies are aware of the possibility of hosting a trainee in the framework of a European programme. Studies show that trainees with foreign language skills can help enterprises to enter new markets. At the same time, businesses with workforces that lack language and communication skills can end up counting the cost of missed opportunities.
The campaign has a dedicated website, which contains information and links on how to organise or find a European placement. Awareness raising events will take place in Member States, targeted at chambers of commerce, regional development agencies, business support organisations and other 'multipliers' who can highlight the benefits of placements for companies.

More information: http://we-mean-business.europa.eu/