INTERNSHIPS – OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE

CLA defines the objective and purpose of an advanced internship upon completion of the training modules 1-6 as follows:
- Putting the knowledge gained during the training modules into practice
- Enhancing independence and professional skills when working with supervisors, guests, co-workers and on a team. Learning and understanding operational procedures
- Furthering an awareness of one’s professional and social strengths and weaknesses, as well as personal work preferences.


DURATION AND SCHEDULING OF INTERNSHIP
A 6-month internship follows the successful completion of training modules 1-6.

SELECTION OF COMPANY FOR INTERNSHIP
Trainees are free to decide where they would like to do their internship for the following reasons:
- so their practical experience can be tailored to their personal career planning
- so they can gather experience in negotiating and concluding contracts

Ideally, an internship company will be selected in consultation with CLA.


A NOTE ABOUT THE SELECTION OF INTERNSHIP COMPANY
There isn’t a “best” company when seeking an internship but we do believe that there is the right internship for every trainee, taking into consideration his or her personal goals, preferences and career plan.

Trainees should ask themselves the following questions before seeking an internship:

Would I rather work for ...
- a luxury hotel (5 star hotel)?
- a limousine services company?
- a private company in the upper luxury segment?
- a company in Switzerland or?
- a company in a foreign country?

- What are my long-term goals and what is the best way of quickly reaching these goals?
- Is there a training program for interns at this company?
- Is the company aware of the level of training achieved by CLA trainees?
- Can trainees expect performance appraisals on a regular basis and coaching sessions?

Anyone who is not certain exactly what their goals are should try to do their traineeship at more than one company.


THE LEARNING JOURNAL
Reflection – developing an awareness of our own thinking and actions – is an essential part of acquiring experience. Reflection is a key element of the personal learning processes of on-the-job trainees.

Maintaining a handwritten learning journal is an integral tool for trainees when operating vehicles and interacting with passengers and administration personnel.

Trainees are asked to reflect upon the following central questions at least every two weeks:

- What have I learned since my last journal entry with regard to my technical, methodical and personal skills?
  What was my personal contribution to this learning achievement?
  What was the contribution of the internship provider?
  Note: Reference must be made to specific situations.

- Did I achieve the goals that had been set for the past two weeks?
  If not, why?

- What was the most difficult situation during the past two weeks?

- What goals am I setting for the next two weeks?

- Are these goals consistent with the goals of the internship and the trainee program?

Upon completion of the internship:

- Evaluate your notes and draw your conclusions

- What findings and discoveries did you make during this internship from a professional, methodical and personal perspective that will help you to choose your next place of work?

- Take your learning journal with the above-mentioned findings with you at the beginning of the next CLA training module. They will be discussed with your coach.


THE INTERVIEW
The CLA trainees are expected to observe the CLA dress code at the subsequent interview.


THE TESTIMONIAL
Upon completion of the internship a copy of the testimonial and the internship report must be submitted to CLA.

INTERN SALARY
The current recommended monthly salary for interns is at least CHF 2,500.
The company providing the internship pays a monthly educational training fee of CHF 1,200 per internship, which helps to support the sustained development of highly qualified chauffeurs in the workforce. This fee will be invoiced directly by CLA to the company providing the internship and may not be deducted from the trainee’s salary.

Internship contracts in Switzerland based on a salary of less than CHF 2,500 and companies that do not pay the educational training fee will not be acknowledged or accepted by CLA.