European Union official apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
University
You'll need a degree and 1 to 3 years professional experience for administrator jobs. If you're a recent graduate, you'll usually start as a junior administrator.
For many jobs in this field, your degree can be in any subject, although you may need a particular degree such as law, economics, statistics or a science for some roles.
You'll normally need at least 3 years professional experience and a degree in a specific subject for the more specialist job roles.
For lawyer or linguist jobs, you must have a recognised law degree or be a qualified solicitor or barrister.
You'll also need to be fluent in 2 more EU languages as well as your native language. One of your languages will usually need to be French or German.
To enter these roles you'll need at least 2 to 3 A-Levels, or the equivalent.
Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by starting with a Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship as a business administrator.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or the equivalent, including English and maths.
Work
It may be possible to work your way into this job by starting in a role with less responsibility and applying for promotion when you've got more experience. There are two levels you can start with, depending on your qualifications. For a Support Level Assistant role, you'll need at least 2 A-Levels (or the equivalent) or 1 year of professional training and 3 years professional experience. For Assistant Level roles, you'll normally need a higher national diploma (or the equivalent), 2 A-Levels or similar, and additional work experience.
If you’re a graduate, you may be able to get useful work experience through the European Commission Traineeship Scheme. This is a 5-month training and work placement programme. You must apply for jobs at all grades through an annual selection process known as an 'open competition'. This involves computer-based testing in your home country, and an assessment stage held in Brussels.
If you're successful at the assessment stage, you'll be put on a reserve list for up to 1 year. Candidates from the reserve list will then be selected for interview when a suitable job comes up.
European Union official apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- knowledge of English language
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- the ability to read English
- the ability to use your initiative
- maths knowledge
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be able to speak a second EU language
- be a citizen of an EU member state
You do not need a qualification in the second language, but you'll be tested during the recruitment process. Sample tests can be found on EU Careers.
European Union official apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- drawing up new laws
- taking part in negotiations with non-EU countries
- putting new policies and programmes into practice
- attending meetings and conferences
- preparing research and reports
- answering questions from members of the European Parliament
- managing staff, finances or equipment
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression - European Union official apprenticeships
With experience, you could progress to higher grades. There is a clear promotion structure, with regular reviews, exams and competitions for progression.