Trainee V-X-M

What will you be doing?

At the Port of Rotterdam, you’ll work on initiatives that help Europe’s largest port move forward every day. As a trainee, you’ll dive into three different assignments, each lasting eight months. That means that every eight months, you’ll join a new department, a new team, a new world, and tackle a new challenge. This way, you’ll quickly discover what suits you best and where your personal talents can make the biggest impact.

During the traineeship, you’ll also have a say in which assignments you take on and which department you’re assigned to. For your first assignment, you’ll be placed in a department and on a project that we believe aligns well with your profile and strengths. For your second and third assignments, you’ll have a say in the process: you’ll help decide which direction you want to take and where you’ll thrive the most.

One moment you’re analyzing data for a digitization project, the next you’re contributing to area development, financial decision-making, or commercial strategy. You’re always part of projects that make a difference—both now and for future generations.

You are literally at the heart of topics such as:

• the energy transition that is moving our port from fossil fuels to sustainable energy;
• “digitization that makes the logistics chain smarter, safer, and more measurable;”
• area development that will shape the port over the coming decades;
• commerce and strategic growth that drives international competitiveness;
• safety and navigation, where every second counts for a safe passage.

You’ll work alongside engineers, data specialists, strategists, market experts, project managers, communications professionals, and maritime experts. That’s the strength of our traineeship: you won’t just gain a single perspective on your field, but a range of experiences that you’ll only find on this scale and with this level of complexity in the Port of Rotterdam.

At the same time, you’ll grow personally. You’ll receive coaching, opportunities for reflection, and training to help you stay focused, make decisions, and develop your leadership skills. The question “Where do I fit in best?” will gradually evolve into: “This is where I can add value; this is where I want to build on my work.”

And perhaps that’s the most important thing: this traineeship isn’t just about us—it’s about you. It’s about your growth, your future, and the impact you’ll have on a port that keeps the world moving every day.

What do we offer?

We offer an environment where you can grow, make a difference, and work in a way that’s in tune with the times.

• Attractive financial terms: a starting salary of €3,786 gross per month, 36 hours plus a flexible compensation budget of 19.6% (for cash payments, additional time off, sustainable purchases, training, or retirement savings)
• Development & career prospects: extensive training and educational opportunities, coaching and professional guidance, the prospect of a permanent contract upon completion of your traineeship, and an excellent pension plan (ABP, with ~70% employer contribution)
• A meaningful role: Your contribution makes a difference. You’ll help tackle major societal challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, and smart logistics.
• Flexibility & Well-being: 36-hour workweek, hybrid & flexible work arrangements, healthy work culture, gym discounts, and fresh fruit
• Community & Job Satisfaction: Work with passionate colleagues and join our active employee networks. A place where you can get to know people, collaborate, and have fun.
• Always the right tools: You’ll be provided with a company laptop and phone.

For more information about our terms of employment, please visit portofrotterdam.com to view ourcollective bargaining agreement.

Department Information

During the traineeship, you’ll have the opportunity to work on assignments across different parts of the organization. This will help you discover where your talents shine brightest and which areas energize you the most. You’ll rotate through various departments: after your first assignment—for which we’ll place you in a department that aligns well with your profile—you’ll have a say in where you’ll do your next assignment and what it will entail.

This will give you insight into a wide range of fields and help you discover how all these elements work together to keep the port running. At the same time, you can focus your professional development in the direction that suits you best.

You will contribute to projects in areas such assales,communications and external affairs,finance,area development, andnautical operations.

You’ll find the same culture across all our teams: a focus on making an impact, respect for one another and the environment, resilience in a port that never stands still, and a sense of connection because collaboration is the foundation of our success.

What are we looking for in a candidate?

• You live in the Netherlands.
• You have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following fields:
  • Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Econometrics, Industrial Engineering
  • Business Administration, (Industrial) Business Economics
  • Marketing, Communications
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• You have up to 1 year of relevant work experience (internships do not count).
• You have a university-level education and way of thinking (as demonstrated through an assessment).
• You have a command of the Dutch language at a level that allows you to engage in informal conversations with ease and follow Dutch-language meetings without difficulty
• You have a command of the English language at a level that allows you to function effectively in a program that is taught in English, depending on the international participants. The skills we consider essential for your successful development within our traineeship:

• Personal Development
• Learning agility
• Customer focus
• Collaborate
• Problem Analysis
• Planning & Organizing

Job Application Process

• Apply via our website at
  . Upload your resume. Be sure to clearly explain how you meet the criteria for the traineeship.
• Take the online assessment at
  . If your knowledge and skills meet the requirements for the traineeship, you will receive a link to the GITP assessment. This assessment evaluates your work style and thought process and identifies your competencies and learning agility.
  It is not an exam; it helps both us and you identify where you can grow the most.
• Results and Invitations (April 13–19)
  Between April 13 and 19, you will find out whether you have been invited to our tryout on May 12.
• The selection day on May 12
  On this day, we’ll get to know each other well. You’ll experience what it’s like to be a trainee at the Port of Rotterdam, and we’ll discover how you approach challenges. Expect inspiring conversations and realistic assignments.
• Final results for the "
  " You'll find out if you've been accepted during the week of May 18. It's exciting, and hopefully the start of your career with us!

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that diversity and inclusion make our employees and our organization even better. That’s why we create a safe, trusting environment where we inspire, support, and learn from one another. Together, we discuss what you need to learn and perform at your best. And we don’t just talk about it—we turn these discussions into concrete actions. By recruiting based on competence, we are committed to offering equal opportunities to you as a job applicant.

But let’s be honest: we’re not quite where we want to be yet. We want to keep working hard on this together with you so that you and all your (future) colleagues feel at home within our organization. So, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or who you love, we look forward to receiving your application! 

Want to know more? Read on!