Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the TNO Traineeship? Chances are you will find the answer below. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions and provided clear answers. This will help you quickly find the information you are looking for.

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Dates, deadlines and procedures

When does the TNO Traineeship start?

The next edition of the TNO Traineeship begins in February 2027.

Can't start on 1 February 2027? The next traineeship starts in September 2027, with the Trainee Selection Day taking place on 28 May 2027.

When does the vacancy open and close?

The vacancy opens on Monday 14 September 2026. You can apply until Sunday, 4 October 2026, 11:59 p.m.

What should my application include?

Alongside your CV and motivation letter, we ask you to complete and submit an assignment about your impact and learning goals, so your application should consist of three documents in total. You can find the assignment on the vacancy page and below under ‘Assignment’. All documents you submit must be PDF files and may not exceed 5MB per document.

In which language should I write my application (CV and motivation letter)?

In English or Dutch.

Can I access my documents and/or video after I have submitted it?

After uploading your documents, you can still delete and replace them via your personal account.

What can I expect from the online assessment?

Our partner lxly provides you with an online assessment consisting of questionnaires about your personality, motivations and values. If the results of the assessment, combined with CV, motivation letter and assignment match our criteria and wishes for the TNO Traineeship, we will invite you to the Trainee Selection Day.

What does the Trainee Selection Day consist of?

During the Selection Day, you will have two interviews, take part in a group assignment, and deliver a short pitch. You will also meet current and former trainees, as well as other TNO colleagues. The day will be held in Leiden at TNO’s Sylviusweg 71 location.

What are the important dates in the selection process?

  • Vacancy opens: 14 September 2026
  • Application deadline: 4 October 2026
  • Trainee Selection Day in Leiden: 30 October 2026
  • Final interviews in The Hague: 5, 10 and 11 November 2026
  • Employment terms discussion (online): 16 November 2026

I cannot attend the Trainee Selection Day, can I apply for the TNO Traineeship?

No, that is not possible. The Trainee Selection Day in Leiden is a mandatory and important part of the selection procedure. On this day we will meet each other and you will get to know TNO and the TNO Traineeship better.

Can I withdraw my application?

After submitting your application, you can log in to your candidate profile if you wish to withdraw your application. You can withdraw your application there. TNO cannot do this on your behalf.

If I come to work at TNO, do I have to undergo a screening?

All trainees need a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). In addition, a VGB-B screening by the Algemene Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst is necessary.

I object to working for/with clients in the Defence and/or Security domain, how do I deal with this?

We ask you to make this known in your motivation letter. This will not affect your application.

I will receive my master's degree after the start date of the TNO Traineeship. Can I still apply?

To start the TNO Traineeship, you must have successfully completed all your study obligations and passed. The official diploma ceremony may take place after the start date of the TNO Traineeship.

I am currently already working at TNO as an intern or seconded employee. Can I apply?

Please note that you can only apply via the Trainee vacancy on the external TNO website, not via the intranet or MyHR. Please use your private email address when applying.

Assignment

What would you like to see in my assignment?

Prepare a PDF document of no more than 1 page and no larger than 5MB, in which you answer the following two central questions about the TNO Traineeship:
  1. Which competencies would you like to develop during the traineeship?
  2. How will this contribute to your personal development and future career?
We encourage you to answer these questions in a personal and creative way. For example, you can illustrate or visualise your answer, write it out in text form, or add a link to a video.
Use no more than 200 words. If you would like to share a video, keep it to a maximum of 30 seconds and include a safe, directly accessible link, without a password or download, in the PDF document.

Which language do I use in my assignment?

We ask you to submit all documents, including the assignment, in English or Dutch.

If I want to use a video in my assignment, what should I pay attention to?

Please note that you should include a link to the video in a PDF document, without password protection. So do not upload the video directly in the application portal.

The TNO Traineeship

How many trainee positions are available?

There are 8 positions available for each starting date of the TNO Traineeship.

Do I have any influence over what my first assignment will be?

We will take your interests and background into account as much as possible. We will discuss this during the selection process. The assignment will also depend on the positions available within the different departments.

What are the working hours?

The TNO Traineeship is a full-time programme. This means: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

In which city and at which location will I work?

The location depends on the department you will be joining, but it will be one of our Dutch offices. In addition, traineeship activities are typically organised at our headquarters in The Hague.

View all our locations here.

Is there a dress code at TNO?

No, there is no dress code at TNO. You can check out our LinkedIn or Instagram

to get a feel for how our colleagues dress. For the Trainee Selection Day, we recommend buisness casual.

Will I receive a certificate or reference letter at the end of the TNO Traineeship?

No, you will not receive a certificate or reference letter. During the traineeship, you will gain experience in different roles and departments, helping you build broad work experience. You can of course include this experience on your CV.

Is there a way to extend my TNO Traineeship?

No, it is not possible to remain a trainee for longer than 2 years. Most trainees continue their careers at TNO in a role that suits their talent and interests. Are you curious about the different career paths at TNO? Read the stories of our employees.

Which roles is the TNO Traineeship designed for?

The TNO Traineeship is designed for candidates with potential for and interest in generalist roles. It is also important that you know what you want and take initiative to achieve these goals.
During the traineeship, you will typically rotate through roles such as project manager, business developer, systems engineer or consultant. These are also the types of roles we prepare you for during the traineeship.
In the longer term, you can think of generalist roles such as line manager, as well as more entrepreneurial, strategic and coordinating roles.
If you would prefer to work in a more specialised research role, such as scientist, we recommend looking at our other graduate vacancies.

How do I know whether a graduate position as a Scientist is a better fit for me?

If your ambition is to specialise as a scientist, explore a specific field in depth and develop professionally within that role, a graduate position as a scientist may be a better fit for you than the TNO Traineeship.

As a Scientist, you will also have access to TNO’s development programme, which helps you discover and further develop your talents: the Talent Development Programme.

International applicants

Does TNO provide temporary accommodation during the selection process if I have to be present in person?

If necessary, TNO will reimburse the costs of your hotel stay and any flight and travel expenses, subject to certain conditions. Always contact HR via [email protected] before booking.

What services do you offer for expats?

If you move to the Netherlands from abroad for your role at TNO, we can support you with a range of practical matters. Depending on your needs, this may include temporary accommodation, tax support, and language assistance.

Do I have to live in the Netherlands to be eligible for the TNO Traineeship?

No, you do not need to live in the Netherlands. However, please note that we only consider applications from candidates who live in Europe. If you live in the Netherlands or another European country but are a non-EU citizen, TNO may be able to support you in obtaining a residence and work permit for the Netherlands.

Do I need to speak Dutch to apply?

TNO is primarily a Dutch organisation. However, colleagues speak English when necessary, and we strive to make all internal communication and important documents available in English. Some units and research departments have predominantly Dutch-speaking customers, so speaking Dutch may be a requirement for certain departments. We offer you Dutch courses once you start the TNO Traineeship.

How international is TNO?

TNO is a Dutch organisation. We also work for many international customers and in European projects. TNO employs people from over 50 countries. The majority, approximately 80% of our employees, are Dutch.

Educational background and qualifications

What are the selection criteria?

  • At the start of the traineeship, you must hold a university Master’s degree. You must have graduated no more than two years prior to the start date of the traineeship.
  • You must also have a university Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
    • Computer ScienceData Science and/or AI
    • Econometrics
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Physics
    • Aerospace Engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Electrical Engineering
  • In addition, you must meet one of the following criteria:
    • A field of study that demonstrates breadth and the ability to connect disciplines, such as a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management, Innovation Management, or Transition Management. Or:
    • A broad range of interests, demonstrated by extracurricular activities undertaken alongside your studies.
  • You reside in Europe.

In your motivation letter, we hope to see the following:

  • you have a clear idea of what you would like to gain from the traineeship;
  • you have strong communication skills, enabling you to connect with the people around you and work towards new solutions;
  • you enjoy a challenge and are comfortable taking responsibility;
  • you take ownership of your work as well as your personal and professional development;
  • you are interested in, and may already have some knowledge of or experience in, helping to address societal and economic challenges;
  • you are driven to innovate and look beyond the status quo, showing the courage and creativity to develop new ideas.

Is it important to have extracurricular activities on your CV?

Within the TNO Traineeship, we place great value on both professional and interpersonal skills. These skills can be developed within or outside your studies or work. We are interested in the experiences you have gained, what you have learned from them, and how you have applied these insights in other experiences.

What level of study is required?

A university Master’s degree is required.

What educational backgrounds are you looking for?

  • You must have at least a university Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Data Science and/or AI
    • Econometrics
    • Physics
    • Aerospace Engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Electrical Engineering

For further information about the selection criteria, please refer to the question 'What are the selection criteria?'

What if my background is not listed?

If your educational background is not listed, the TNO Traineeship may not be the best match for you at this time. We encourage you to explore our other vacancies for something that matches, which may be better suited to your profile.

Would you like to stay up to date with developments at TNO? You can sign up for our newsletter.

Can I appeal a decision not to select me for the TNO Traineeship?

No, this is not possible. Matching the right candidates with our available positions is a complex process. You can trust that our recruiters and research managers carefully take both TNO’s interests and your interests into account. Ultimately, both parties benefit from the best possible match.

Other information

I would like to know more about the TNO Traineeship. How can I get more information?

You can find more information about the TNO Traineeship here.

I have a question that is not on the website. How can I reach you?

You can contact our recruiter, Serge Moesman, via +31(0)610933586.

Missed the webinar? Watch the recording

Watch the recording of the webinar about the TNO Traineeship. Our trainees Fenna and Bart share their personal experiences, while recruiter Serge and manager Max provide more insights into the traineeship and the application process.