Trainees: meaning, definitions and examples

Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training for a specific job or skill. This term is often used in professional or industrial settings.

• The company has hired 20 new trainees for the management trainee program.
• Trainees must complete a rigorous six-week training course.

Interns are usually students or recent graduates who work, often temporarily, to gain practical experience in a particular field, such as medicine, law, or business. Internships can be paid or unpaid.

• The hospital offers a summer program for medical interns.
• She spent six months as an intern at a prestigious law firm.

Apprentices are individuals who work under the guidance of a skilled worker, typically in a trade or craft, to learn a particular skill. This term is common in traditional trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.

• The blacksmith took on three apprentices this year.
• As an apprentice electrician, she spent her days learning from a master.

Learners are individuals who are in the process of learning new skills or knowledge. This term is quite broad and can be used in educational contexts as well as informal learning situations.

• Adult learners are welcome to join the evening classes.
• Online platforms have increased opportunities for lifelong learners.

Used for individuals who are undergoing training in a specific skill or job. Often found in professional or corporate settings.

• The company has a two-week program for new trainees.
• The trainees are learning the basics of customer service.

Specifically used for people who have recently joined the military or other organizations and are in the early stages of training. The word can sometimes have a formal or official tone.

• The new recruits are going through basic training.
• Army recruits must meet strict physical requirements.

Refers to students or young people in training for military or police service. It can also be used in some educational institutions like military academies.

• The cadets at the police academy have a rigorous training schedule.
• Military cadets learn discipline and leadership.

Commonly used in informal settings to describe beginners or those who are new to a job, sport, or other activity. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or playful connotation, implying inexperience.

• The rookie firefighters performed exceptionally well.
• In his first game as a rookie, he scored two goals.