Confused About My Offer Letter: Is "Trainee QA" Really a Full Employee Role or Just an Internship?

Bugkiller
Hello everyone,

I have just received my offer letter and I am confused with two of the keywords. The role says "Trainee QA" but when it speaks of my annual pay, the word used is "stipend". I believe a stipend relates to an intern. Can I be 100% sure that it's for a trainee position and not an intern/contractual? Also, is a trainee considered an employee?
HR_ROY
Normally, a trainee is an official employee of the firm who undergoes training for the job he/she was originally hired for. Typically, a number of firms keep the training period of 3-6 months during which the person gets evaluated, after which an official decision to hire on a permanent basis is made. It is often used as an insurance measure by companies.

An intern is usually understood as a temporary position, often unpaid (but definitely not required). Usually, an intern is a student in the field who is looking for experience before seeking a job. An internship is typically for a specific short period of time (say, 4 weeks or 8 weeks).

Understanding "Trainee QA" and Stipend

Now, coming to your main query... by the term "Trainee QA," it implies you are an employee. But when it comes to the salary part and it is saying stipend, they might be going to appoint you as an apprentice. In the case of an apprentice, the stipend for the 1st year is 70% of the minimum wages of semi-skilled workers, 2nd year 80%, and the third year 90%.

First, check what stipend they are offering. If it is above the minimum wages of the state, then no need to worry; they will be treating you as an employee, and the term stipend may be used in their company for the time you will be undergoing training. Otherwise, they might have issued an apprentice letter. Apprenticeship is contractual in nature.

Hope this will be helpful.

Regards
nathrao
Learned member has clarified the issue. However, I would go to the company and ask for clarifications on what they mean by intern. Do not have doubts because you are making a career decision.
loginmiraclelogistics
You have not mentioned other terms & conditions of 'service' and continuation/confirmation, etc. Is there any clause to this effect in the offer letter you have received? Does it say anything like "appointed to the post of... for a period of... And on satisfactory completion likely to be appointed/regularized as..." etc.? Nevertheless, I have my doubts about your regular appointment per se not being guaranteed, going by the terms "Trainee" and "stipend"; you cannot take it for granted.
If you are knowledgeable about any fact, resource or experience related to this topic - please add your views. For articles and copyrighted material please only cite the original source link. Each contribution will make this page a resource useful for everyone. Join To Contribute