Internship Agreement

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What an internship agreement is and why it matters

An internship agreement records the terms on which an intern undertakes a placement with a host organisation. It typically describes the purpose of the placement, the duration, the supervision arrangements and what the intern can expect to learn and contribute. Whether an intern is treated as an employee, a worker or a trainee depends on the arrangement and local law.

Its purpose is to set clear, fair expectations for a placement that is often educational in focus. For the host it defines the scope and supervision; for the intern it clarifies the learning aims, the support available and the conditions of the placement, including how it ends.

When an internship agreement is used

• For structured placements linked to study or early-career development.
• For summer or vacation placements within an organisation.
• When a placement forms part of a course or qualification.
• To document supervision and learning aims for a defined period.
• When an organisation wants clarity on the intern status and conditions.

What a clear internship agreement includes

• The names of the host organisation and the intern and the start date.
• The duration of the placement and its working pattern.
• The purpose and learning objectives of the internship.
• The supervisor or mentor and how support is provided.
• The intern status under local law and any entitlements that follow.
• Confidentiality and any handling of the organisation work or materials.
• How the placement may be ended by either side.
• Any link to a college, university or course requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating an internship as unpaid where local law requires otherwise.
• Using the label internship for what is in substance an ordinary job.
• Leaving learning aims and supervision arrangements undefined.
• Overlooking the intern status and the rights that may apply.
• Failing to set out confidentiality where the intern handles sensitive work.
• Not agreeing how and when the placement comes to an end.

Best practices

• Define clear learning objectives so the placement has real value.
• Check local law on intern status, entitlements and any pay obligations.
• Assign a named supervisor and explain the support available.
• Agree the duration and end arrangements at the outset.
• Export the signed agreement to PDF so the placement terms are fixed and shareable.