ESA Graduate Trainee Programme vs Junior Professional Progr

Overview

Are you an early-career professional looking to launch your career in the space industry? The ESA Graduate Trainee Programme (EGT) or the Junior Professional Programme (JPP) could be the opportunity you are looking for. While both programmes provide valuable experience within ESA, they are designed for candidates at different stages of their careers.

The ESA Graduate Trainee Programme is tailored for recent graduates who are looking to gain hands-on experience in a space-related domain. It is an excellent stepping stone for those who have just completed their studies and are eager to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

The Junior Professional Programme is designed for individuals who have already gained some professional experience and are looking for a structured career development opportunity within ESA. It is a more advanced programme aimed at nurturing talent for long-term roles in the agency.

• EGT Programme
• JP Programme

Open to candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant field (such as engineering, science or business). For EGT: maximum of one year of relevant professional experience. For JP: two to three years of professional experience in a relevant field. Applicants must have citizenship of one of the ESA Member States, Associate Members or Canada as a Cooperating State. In addition, nationals of European Cooperating States can apply to the programme (the full list of eligible countries is stated in each ESA vacancy).

EGT:
One-year contract, with the possibility of extension for a second year. JP:
Four-year contract with the perspective of a long-term career at ESA.

Graduate Trainees work on specific projects under the guidance of ESA experts, developing technical, scientific or business skills. The JP Programme offers mentorship, tailored training and career development opportunities, such as external secondments and internal rotations.

To provide graduates with practical experience and insights into the space industry, helping them determine their career path. To develop the next generation of ESA professionals by providing the foundation for a long-term career path within the agency.

Over 100 opportunities are published every year in February. 15 JP positions are published every year in April or May.

Applicants can apply to a maximum of three positions. Applicants can apply to more than one position; however due to the smaller number of positions available, we highly recommend you apply to the position(s) most relevant to your background.

If you are a recent graduate with little or no work experience, the ESA Graduate Trainee Programme is your best entry point into ESA. It allows you to gain industry experience and develop skills that can lead to future opportunities within the space sector. If you have already gained some relevant professional experience and are looking for a long-term career within ESA, the Junior Professional Programme is the ideal next step.

The JPP offers a more structured career pathway, with greater responsibilities and the potential to transition into a permanent role.

ESA also offers other opportunities such as student internships, research fellowships and co-funded research. To see which programme is the best fit for you, have a look at this page.

For all ESA positions, the application must be submitted through ESA’s official careers portal. Given the competitive nature of these opportunities, it is crucial that your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining ESA.

ESA’s Graduate Trainee Programme and Junior Professional Programme are both unique opportunities for early-career professionals to establish themselves in the space industry. Understanding the differences between them can help you determine the right fit for your skills and career aspirations. Whether you are just starting out or looking for the next step in your professional journey, ESA offers a pathway to exciting and meaningful work in space exploration and innovation.