Frequently asked questions about

1. General questions about the programme
2. The recruitment process
3. The assessment centre
4. General conditions for the trainees
5. The assignments
6. The seminar weeks

1. General questions about the programme

How long is the programme?

 
The Vattenfall international trainee programme runs for 12 months, starting September 1st 2012.

What will the programme include?

During the trainee year the trainees will attend 6 seminars with their fellow trainees. They will go on two short time assignments of a minimum of 8 weeks each, in a part of the organisation other than the home organisation. At least one of these should be abroad. A part of the programme will be spent working in the home organisation. The trainees will work together in project teams during the programme.

To what extent can the trainees be part of the content in the programme?

 
As a trainee you have the possibility to influence the content during the trainee year. The tasks in the home organisation and tasks during the assignments can often be developed together with the line manager.

What kind of support will the trainees get during the programme?

 
The trainees will be in close contact with their line manager and will also be supported by a set advisor or mentor during the programme. They will also be able to help the trainees find their assignments. The trainees will also get support from former trainees through the alumni association. Vattenfall Management Institute (VMI) will also support the trainees as well as the Programme Manager responsible for the programme.

Is it possible to change positions within the organisation, after the end of the programme?

 
Most trainees have chosen to remain in the same organisation after the end of the programme, at least for some time. 51 out of 54 international trainees still work for Vattenfall. Vattenfall encourages mobility within the company, both within the same organisation as well as mobility within the Group.

Does the applicant need to have an academic degree before the programme starts?
Yes. Applicants are eligible to apply for the trainee positions having finished their studies, and need to have the degree no later than September 1st 2012.

What are requirements for the trainee programme?

 
Each trainee position has specific job requirements. All candidates must however have a least one academic degree. Candidates should also speak and write our official corporate language, English, fluently, and possibly one other language in addition to the native language. They should also show willingness to move within the organisation as well as geographically. They should live our core values.

Can applications be accepted via e-mail instead of applying via the website?

No, all applications are handled through our Job Database on line. Applicants have the possibility to add a personal letter in that process. The letter should be written in English. We will only phone candidates who have used the Job Database to apply to our interviews.

How is the recruitment carried out?

A first selection is made amongst the applications sent and a number of candidates are called to interviews. In the second selection a number of these candidates will be put through a number of tests. A third selection will put two candidates per position through an assessment centre during one day. After the assessment centre one candidate per position will be chosen.

Where will the trainees be employed?

The trainees will be employed by the business unit according to the specification in the advertisement for each position.

3. The assessment centre

Is preparation needed prior to the Assessment?

Each candidate called to the Assessment should go through the steps described in the recruitment process, to ensure that the candidates are all at the same level.

The candidates will take an Eqi test on line prior to the Assessment. They will be given feed back on their results, individually during or in connection to the Assessment.

What will happen during the Assessment?

During the assessment centre, the candidates will do different exercises, both individual and in larger and smaller groups. Each assessor will assess one or several candidates during each exercise.

What will happen after the Assessment?

At the end of the day, the candidates are sent home and the assessor will meet for a session to go through the results from the exercises.

When will contracts be signed?

Contracts should be signed as soon as the selection is made and no later than June 5th.

How much should the trainee be paid?

The trainees should be paid the equal amount of those hired in similar positions with similar background.

 – Please note that this segment is being revised by the International Mobility Team and might be subject to change shortly.

What will the trainees do during their assignments?

The assignments might look different depending on where in the organisation the trainee is assigned. It might be “desk work” or more practically oriented, climbing poles etc.

Can the trainee choose any place in the organisation they want for the assignments?

Yes, as long as the home organisation agrees together with the host organisation that the assignment is of relevance for the trainee individually as well as for the Group as a whole.

Does the assignment has to found be abroad?

No, one of the aims is for the trainee to learn about a new business unit, other than the home organisation. One of the assignments can be located to the “home country”, but the second assignment should be abroad.

Who will find the assignments for each trainee?

The home organisation is responsible for finding the assignments together with the trainee. The assignment should develop and be of interest for the home organisation and the trainee as well as the host organisation. The trainee/home organisation is responsible for setting up an assignment contract with the host organisation before the beginning of the assignment. The assignment contract will be sent out by VMI to the trainees during the programme. If needed, VMI will also assist in finding assignments.

What is the aim of seminar weeks?

The aim with the seminar weeks is to broaden the understanding of the different part of the Vattenfall value chain. They will also focus on the Vattenfall Leadership Model and our core values.

What will the trainees do during this time?

The seminar weeks will combine study visits to Vattenfall sites, theoretical lectures from external guest speakers as well as internal guest speakers and workshops around different themes. Time will also be given for the trainees to work on their team projects.

Where the seminar weeks will take place?

The seminar weeks will be located to a number of cities where Vattenfall operates.

When employed, what are the possibilities of working abroad?

Vattenfall encourages internal mobility. The possibilities of working abroad depend on where you are employed in the Group. Since Vattenfall is expanding, there are generally good possibilities to work abroad, for shorter or longer periods within the European countries in which Vattenfall operates.

VITAA –Vattenfall International Trainee Alumni Association

VITAA was created in 2008 by former international trainees working in Vattenfall supported by Vattenfall Management Institute. The aim is to make use of the knowledge of the group within Vattenfall and also to support trainees during their trainee year. Each current trainee will get a former trainee as mentor during the trainee year.

A part from meeting the current trainees during the trainee year, VITAA also hold one meeting annually on different themes.