In Belgium, the internship agreement is called a professional immersion agreement ("Convention d’immersion professionnelle / beroepsinlevingsstage"). It is concluded on a voluntary basis between the employer and the trainee. Its aim is to enable the trainee to acquire knowledge and skills while working for an employer. The idea is to train and learn in a practical way by being directly "in action". In principle, this internship agreement is always concluded outside the school environment.
This contract should not be confused with the student occupancy contract.
For any traineeship, a written agreement must be signed by both parties and no later than the start date of the traineeship period. This agreement must include the following:
Since the aim of a traineeship is to strengthen the practical training of the trainee, he/she is not entitled to remuneration in exchange for work. However, a compensation will be assigned to the trainee. The amount of the allowance depends on the trainee's age and varies between around €800 and €1,000.
Under certain conditions, the compensation received by the trainee is not subject to employer's and personal social contributions.
The traineeship agreement is an official document. It means that the agreement, established in accordance with the legal requirements, shall be kept by the employer for a period set at five years.
Failing that, this infringement is criminally punishable or may result in administrative fines.
In case of non-compliance with the legislation on traineeship agreements, the traineeship can be reclassified as a contract of employment with the application of the minimum wage in force in Belgium and with payment of social contributions with retroactive effect.