TRAINEE

A worker undergoing initial training for a recognized occupation, for an established period of time under supervision.

"On-the-job training may be provided to any newly hired employee; any employee who moves from one position to another or who is assigned duties requiring new knowledge; or any employee who moves from one class of employment to another (i.e., promotion). Clauses dealing with on-the-job training typically refer to training opportunities, preference for training based on seniority, as well as specification of timing and rate of pay for both trainees and trainers when the latter are senior employees of the company."
(Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Training, Retraining and Education. Collective Agreements and Older Workers in Canada, visited 2011-08-10)

"The Act respecting Labour Standards stipulates that training, orientation or trial work periods must be remunerated. An employee is deemed to be at work during any trial period or training required by the employer. Finally, the employer is also required to reimburse the employee the reasonable costs incurred when, at the employer's request, the employee must travel or take training."
(Commission des normes du travail du Québec, visited 2006-09-10)

Although many sources use "trainee," "learner," "apprentice" and "student trainee" synonymously, others prefer to distinguish these terms:

1. Trainee" differs from "learner" in that the latter does not get formal training and learns through actual work experience under supervision;
2. "Trainee" differs from "apprentice," in that the latter learns a skilled trade. Ordinarily, the trainee is not being prepared to handle a skilled, or craft job;
3. A "student trainee" is an adolescent or adult that has not yet completed his or her studies and is looking for work experience.

(adapted from Roberts, Harold S., Roberts' Dictionary of Industrial Relations, Washington, D.C.: Bureau of National Affairs, 1994)