ECHA Paid Traineeships 2027 in Finland

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has opened applications for its March 2027 Graduate Traineeship Programme at its headquarters in Helsinki, Finland.

ECHA is an agency of the European Union responsible for supporting the safe use of chemicals and implementing relevant European chemicals legislation. Its work contributes to protecting human health and the environment.

The traineeship programme provides newly qualified graduates and eligible professionals with practical experience in the operations of an EU agency.

The programme covers both scientific and administrative areas. Depending on the selected position, trainees may work on chemical regulation, scientific assessment, environmental protection, data management, communications, finance, legal affairs or organisational support.

Selected trainees work alongside ECHA professionals and contribute to assignments relevant to their host units. The precise duties and academic requirements vary by vacancy.

The March 2027 traineeship intake begins on 1 March 2027 and lasts six months. Applications must be submitted through ECHA's official recruitment system before the published deadline.

Applicants must meet the relevant conditions of ECHA's traineeship programme and their chosen vacancy.

• Nationality: The March 2027 call primarily targets nationals of EU Member States and EEA countries (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). ECHA's general rules additionally permit limited recruitment from candidate countries and non-member states, subject to conditions and resources.

• Academic qualification: Applicants generally need a university degree, at least at bachelor's level, or an equivalent technical or professional qualification relevant to ECHA's work.

• Professional background: Public or private sector employees undertaking graduate-level work in relevant fields may also be eligible.

• English proficiency: Applicants must have good working knowledge of English, ECHA's working language. Its general rules specify a minimum B2 CEFR level.

• Relevant subject knowledge: Applicants must meet the educational, technical and professional requirements of their selected vacancy.

• Previous EU experience: Applicants are generally ineligible if they have already undertaken more than eight weeks of traineeship experience at an EU institution or body, or fall under the programme's restrictions on previous EU employment.

• Insurance: Selected trainees must have sickness and accident insurance valid in Finland before starting.

• Application limit: Applicants may apply for a maximum of three traineeship positions in the same recruitment cycle.

• Monthly grant: Approximately €1,700 for eligible trainees.

• Six-month placement: Practical professional experience at ECHA's headquarters in Helsinki.

• EU agency exposure: Opportunity to understand the work and administration of a European Union regulatory agency.

• Professional development: Hands-on experience supporting ECHA's scientific, technical or administrative activities.

• International workplace: Opportunities to collaborate with staff from different professional and cultural backgrounds.

• Career development: Experience applicable to future roles in regulatory affairs, environmental protection, science, policy and administration.

Applicants should prepare:

• An up-to-date CV with educational and professional information.

• Academic qualification details relevant to the selected position.

• Information about relevant work experience, technical competencies and language proficiency.

• A motivation statement explaining their interest in the specific traineeship.

• Any supporting documents requested in the individual vacancy or recruitment form.

Documents required at a later stage:

• Proof of relevant qualifications, where requested.

• Evidence of sickness and accident insurance valid in Finland before the traineeship starts.

• An employer declaration of remuneration and allowances, where the applicant remains employed and receives income.

According to ECHA's traineeship rules, applicants are assessed on the basis of:

• Academic qualifications relevant to the selected traineeship.

• Specific knowledge and technical skills.

• Relevant professional experience, where applicable.

• Suitability for the duties and requirements of the advertised position.

• English-language competence sufficient to participate in ECHA's work.

ECHA also considers an appropriate balance of nationalities and gender during recruitment.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview conducted online, by telephone or in person.

• Gain practical experience within a European Union agency.

• Develop professional expertise in environmental protection, chemicals regulation or administrative operations.

• Apply academic knowledge to real regulatory and organisational challenges.

• Learn from experienced professionals in a multicultural workplace.

• Strengthen analytical, technical, communication and professional skills.

• Gain exposure to EU processes, scientific assessment and institutional collaboration.