'We Mean Business' is the name of the European Commission's campaign launched to boost that companies offer more trainee placements with the aim at improving young people's skills and employability. In addition, it has announced that in 2012-2013, the Commission will provide funding support for a total of 280,000 placements through its Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus schemes.

The European Commission launched the 'We Mean Business' campaign with the aim to boost that companies create more trainee placements. According to the Commission, traineeships can help young people make a smooth transition from education and training to a first good job. Moreover, it highlights that placements can also bring benefits to companies, enabling them to identify potentially excellent future employees who could, with their fresh ideas, be key to future productivity and competitiveness. A Eurobarometer survey published in 2010 showed that teamwork, adaptability, communication and language skills are among the characteristics which are most valued by employers.

The campaign, which has a dedicated website that contains information and links on how to organise or find a European placement, has as goal to demonstrate the benefits of international placements to businesses. Surveys highlight that few companies are aware of the possibility of hosting a trainee in the framework of a European programme.

The Commission will provide funding support for a total of 280,000 placements through its Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus schemes for vocational and higher education students in 2012-2013. The campaign will also consists in awareness raising events that will take place in Member States, targeted at chambers of commerce, regional development agencies, business support organisations and other 'multipliers' who can highlight the benefits of placements for companies.