INTERNSHIPS – OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE

CLA defines the purpose and objective of an advanced internship 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 is recommended for holders of a D1 licence and a certificate of professional competence for commercial road passenger transport, following completion of training modules 3 & 5.

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.

CLA will offer trainees advice and support in selecting a company for their internship.

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 when seeking an internship:

Would I rather work for…

  • a limousine services company
  • a luxury hotel (5 star hotel)
  • a company with its own fleet (financial or industrial sector)
  • a company in D / A or Switzerland, etc.

What are my long-term goals and what is the best way of quickly reaching those goals?

Does the company offer a training program with a trainer and coach who is responsible for the interns?

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

Recommendation: Interns should earn at least 50% of the usual market or country-specific salary of a limousine chauffeur. CLA advises interns not to conclude any contracts based on a salary lower than this level.