The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.
What was it like to conduct exploratory research on a possible minimum internship allowance?
A possible minimum internship allowance is a topic that immediately evokes a response from most people. Many individuals have either done internships during their studies or have come across them through friends or family. While in other studies the topic may sometimes be more distant for most people, an internship allowance is certainly not. The recognisability, also from personal experience and surroundings, made it an interesting topic to delve into in a short period of time. And the outcome proved to be more complex than most people might expect.
This assignment was not carried out alone, but in collaboration with another research firm, SEO Economisch Onderzoek, and Professor of Labour Law Willemijn Roozendaal. This brought a fun and educational complementarity to the research team in order to successfully complete the assignment.
How did we approach this research?
Our task in this research consisted of exploring three different components: (1) pros and cons of a minimum internship allowance, (2) methods of implementation, and (3) costs and implementation consequences. In order to properly explore these three components, we used desk research to gain more insight into internships and internship allowances in the Netherlands. For example, it was interesting to find out how many collective labour agreements (cao) already include something about an internship allowance and to what extent a specific amount is specified. Additionally, we looked into whether we could learn anything from other countries with a similar measure through an international comparison. Lastly, we conducted interviews with various stakeholders, including industry associations, student organisations, and implementation organisations.
What were the challenges in this research?
The biggest challenge in this research lay in the high uncertainty and interconnectedness of effects. The expectation beforehand was that through a combination of research methods, we would be able to explore somewhat concrete effects, for example through evidence from other countries or effects from cao agreements or similar measures in the Netherlands. This turned out to be more complex than expected. The evidence was very limited both in a Dutch and international context.
Furthermore, it became apparent that effects cannot be viewed in isolation. The implementation of a minimum internship allowance logically leads to an improvement in the income position of interns. However, if this leads to a decrease in the number of internship positions, fewer students will be able to do internships and therefore their income position will not improve. It is also unclear whether students who would receive an internship allowance would retain their part-time job. If students were to quit their part-time job after the implementation, their income position would not improve, although these students might experience less stress (also a potential positive effect).
These effects are further complicated by the uncertainty about the amount of a possible minimum internship allowance. This naturally correlates with the effects described above. This example clearly illustrates the complexity of outcomes that this research brought about.
Next steps
The research has been published and has already sparked further developments. The Minister of Education, Culture and Science has stated that a mandatory internship allowance will not be introduced for the time being, due to the fear of a decrease in the number of internship positions. However, it remains a topic of discussion in the Dutch House of Representatives and student and youth organisations have recently campaigned for a mandatory internship allowance. The research has been completed, but the societal debate on this topic is by no means over...
