EU-OSHA Traineeship Programme 2026 – Fully Paid Opportunities in Bilbao and Brussels

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Traineeship Programme, offering a unique professional opportunity for recent graduates from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) including Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

This initiative provides participants with hands-on professional experience within one of Europe’s most respected agencies, allowing them to contribute to the improvement of working conditions, occupational safety, and health standards across the continent.

About the Programme

The EU-OSHA Traineeship Programme is designed to immerse young professionals in the agency’s daily operations while providing training, supervision, and the chance to participate in meaningful projects.

Trainees will gain firsthand experience in European institutional processes, public policy, and occupational safety research, while working alongside experts in communication, data analysis, policy coordination, and administration.

By joining EU-OSHA, trainees will develop a well-rounded understanding of how European institutions promote safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.

Overview of EU-OSHA

EU-OSHA plays a central role in shaping and coordinating occupational safety and health (OSH) policy across the European Union. Based in Bilbao, Spain, with a liaison office in Brussels, Belgium, the agency’s mission includes:

Conducting research on emerging workplace risks and occupational hazards.
Developing preventive measures to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.
Promoting awareness campaigns and public outreach initiatives.
Supporting cooperation between governments, employers, workers, and EU institutions.

Through this traineeship, participants will engage in projects that support EU-OSHA’s objectives and gain a deeper understanding of European OSH frameworks and initiatives.

Programme Details

Number of Positions: 8 (7 in Bilbao, 1 in Brussels)
Duration: Six months, with a possible extension based on performance and institutional needs.
Start Date: 03 November 2025
Remuneration: Paid traineeship, providing financial support throughout the placement.
Experience Level: Open to recent graduates; no prior professional experience required.

Trainees will be fully integrated into the work of their assigned unit, contributing to research, policy development, communications, and stakeholder coordination.

Traineeship Units and Areas of Placement

EU-OSHA offers a wide range of placements depending on each trainee’s academic background and interests.

1. Prevention and Research Unit (PRU)

Focus: Occupational Safety and Health Research
Trainees in this unit will assist with data collection, statistical analysis, and research on workplace risks and prevention strategies.
Key tasks include:

Assisting in the design of preventive OSH campaigns.
Supporting technical documentation and research publications.
Analyzing data on occupational health and safety trends.

This placement is ideal for candidates interested in public health, epidemiology, or policy research.

2. Resource and Service Centre Unit (RSC)

Focus: Administrative and Operational Support
The RSC oversees logistics, procurement, and sustainability within the agency.
Trainees may work in:

Procurement: Supporting supplier management and compliance with EU financial regulations.
Facilities Management: Assisting with operations, sustainability, and resource efficiency.

This track suits candidates interested in public administration, operations, or institutional management.

3. Communication and Promotion Unit (CPU)

Focus: Public and Digital Communications
The CPU manages EU-OSHA’s communication strategy, media relations, and online engagement.
Trainees may assist in:

ICT and Digital Tools: Supporting internal and external communications.
Network Communications: Coordinating outreach with partners and networks.
Media and Social Media: Creating digital content and assisting in awareness campaigns.

Ideal for graduates in communications, public relations, or digital media.

4. Network Secretariat Unit (NET)

Focus: Stakeholder and Institutional Relations
The NET manages relations with EU institutions, social partners, and advisory committees.
Key activities include:

Supporting governance processes and meeting coordination.
Liaising with EU institutions and policy stakeholders.
Preparing reports and briefing materials for senior staff.

This placement is suitable for those interested in European affairs, governance, or policy coordination.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be nationals of an EU Member State or EEA country (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein).
Hold a university degree (minimum Bachelor’s level).
Demonstrate a genuine interest in occupational safety, health, communications, or European policy.
Possess strong English proficiency (knowledge of additional EU languages is advantageous).
Commit to the full duration of the traineeship (six months).

The programme is particularly suited to graduates seeking international experience and exposure to the functioning of EU institutions.

Selection Process

The recruitment process includes the following steps:

Online Application Submission Complete the form on the EU-OSHA Traineeship portal and upload your CV, motivation letter, and academic documents.
Eligibility and Merit Assessment Applications are reviewed based on academic performance, skills, and motivation.
Interview Stage – Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Final Selection – Successful candidates will receive an official traineeship offer and onboarding information.

Application Deadline: 24 November 2025 (13:00, Bilbao time)

Professional and Career Benefits

The EU-OSHA Traineeship Programme offers exceptional professional and personal development opportunities:

Practical Learning: Real-world exposure to EU-level occupational safety and health initiatives.
Networking: Interaction with professionals, experts, and peers within EU institutions.
Skill Development: Strengthening analytical, administrative, communication, and research competencies.
Cultural Exchange: Work in a multicultural, multilingual environment that values collaboration and diversity.
Career Foundation: Gain insights into EU operations, improving employability in European and international organizations.

Graduates of this programme often move on to careers in public administration, research, health and safety management, or international institutions.

How to Apply

To apply for the EU-OSHA Traineeship Programme 2026, follow these steps:

Access the Official Application Portal – Visit the EU-OSHA Traineeship 2026 Call for Applications
Prepare Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (preferably in Europass format)
- Cover letter outlining motivation and preferred unit of interest
- Copies of academic certificates or transcripts
Submit Online Before Deadline:
Applications must be submitted no later than 24 November 2025, 13:00 (Bilbao time).
Await Notification:
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and final selection.

For any queries, consult the official EU-OSHA traineeship page or contact the HR department via the contact form on the EU-OSHA website. Click here

APPLY HERE

Tips for a Strong Application

Be specific: Tailor your motivation letter to the unit that best matches your background.
Demonstrate impact: Show how your academic or volunteer experience connects to EU-OSHA’s mission.
Highlight soft skills: Communication, teamwork, and intercultural understanding are highly valued.
Prepare early: Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Summary Table

Detail	Information
Programme	EU-OSHA Traineeship Programme 2026
Organized by	European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
Locations	Bilbao, Spain; Brussels, Belgium
Number of Positions	8
Duration	6 months (possible extension)
Start Date	03 November 2025
Application Deadline	24 November 2025 (13:00, Bilbao time)
Eligibility	EU and EEA nationals (graduates)
Funding Type	Paid traineeship
Official Website	EU-OSHA Traineeships

Conclusion

The EU-OSHA Traineeship Programme 2026 offers a rare opportunity for young professionals to engage directly with European-level work on occupational safety and health. By joining the agency, participants gain invaluable practical experience, expand their professional network, and contribute to initiatives that improve working lives across Europe.

Graduates seeking to start an international career in EU institutions, research, or public policy will find this traineeship both challenging and rewarding.

Apply before 24 November 2025 at 13:00 (Bilbao time) to begin your professional journey with EU-OSHA and play a role in advancing health and safety in the European workplace.