Poland proposes 'senior internship' but experts question its purpose

Poland is exploring potential revisions to its internship regulations, with a notable proposal to introduce a distinct "senior internship" agreement. This initiative aims to better accommodate the specific needs and circumstances of older individuals seeking to gain or update professional skills.

Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz, the government's plenipotentiary for senior policy, suggested that separate regulations for senior internships would be beneficial. She believes these should consider the unique aspects of older individuals, similar to how current rules are adapted for minors. Okła-Drewnowicz argues that such internships could be a vital tool for enabling seniors to acquire qualifications in new fields, thereby supporting their continued professional activity later in life. This approach is seen as contributing not only to longer careers but also to social engagement and the maintenance of seniors' mental and physical well-being, aligning with the goals of the Strategy for the Development of Poland until 2035.

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I myself don't quite know what such a senior internship would look like. For me, at this moment, it is a rather enigmatic concept. Its purpose is also unclear. Would it be about supporting employment? About retraining? About acquiring new competencies?

However, the concept has met with reservations from some experts. Katarzyna Kamecka of the Polish Economic Society voiced uncertainty about the practical implementation and purpose of senior internships. "I myself don't quite know what such a senior internship would look like. For me, at this moment, it is a rather enigmatic concept. Its purpose is also unclear. Would it be about supporting employment? About retraining? About acquiring new competencies?" Kamecka questioned.

Kamecka further raised concerns about the suitability of internships for individuals with extensive work experience. "If someone is 50 or 60 years old, the natural solution seems to be continued employment based on an employment contract or another form of employment, rather than directing them to an internship program," she stated. She suggested that if the goal is retraining or acquiring new skills, these objectives could potentially be achieved through existing employment structures rather than through internships, which are traditionally viewed as a pathway for entry-level workers.

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If someone is 50 or 60 years old, the natural solution seems to be continued employment based on an employment contract or another form of employment, rather than directing them to an internship program.