With just two weeks left to apply for a traineeship with the European Commission, Fine Gael Senator and spokesman on European Affairs, Neale Richmond, is encouraging Irish graduates to get their applications in on time.

“A traineeship or, as it’s known, a “stage” with the European Commission is a phenomenal opportunity for any young Irish graduate to work at the heart of the European decision making process.

“Working in a multicultural environment, these six month, paid traineeships can be the start of a rewarding career within the European institutions, or provide a really valuable experience that can serve as a launchpad for any number of brilliant careers.

“I was lucky to start my career working in politics with a stage in Brussels in 2005. Such a culturally diverse environment is almost unrivalled elsewhere and facilitates the enhancement and development of valuable, transferable skills.

“The European Commission traineeship is one of such eight EU institutional traineeships open to graduates located in Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg and around the EU; including in Dublin of course.

“Applications for the traineeships commencing in March 2019 close on the 31st August and those interested should log on to www.ec.europa.eu/stage to find out more and to apply for what could the start of something special.”