Autumn 2026, thousands of students will be looking for internship placements. Upper secondary students in APL, higher vocational students in LIA, university students in VFU. The question is not whether you'll get a request – but whether you're ready when it comes. Companies that prepare in May avoid the stress in September.
Preparing for interns means the company decides capacity in good time, assigns supervisors, plans work tasks and sets up routines for receiving students. It makes the difference between an internship that works and one that costs time without giving anything back.
Why preparation matters#
Companies that take on interns "spontaneously" – without planning – more often report:
- supervisors who feel unprepared
- interns sitting idle
- conflicts about tasks and expectations
- negative evaluations that scare off future students
Companies that plan instead report better matching, happier supervisors and more converted hires.
Checklist: 8 steps before the autumn internship period#
1. Determine capacity#
How many interns can you take on? It depends on:
- number of available supervisors
- workload during the period
- availability of tasks that match the education
Better to host one intern with good conditions than three without a plan.
2. Assign supervisors in time#
The supervisor role shouldn't be dumped on someone at the last minute. Choose people who:
- have an interest in teaching
- understand the internship's purpose
- have time to supervise during the period
- are willing to attend a short supervisor training if the school offers one
3. Contact schools proactively#
Don't wait for the school to call. Reach out to local upper secondary schools, higher vocational providers and universities and let them know you have placements. Specify:
- which roles or departments are relevant
- which periods work
- who the contact person is
4. Plan work tasks#
Write down 5–10 tasks the intern can do. Grade them: from simple starter tasks to more advanced ones after a couple of weeks. Make sure the tasks connect to learning objectives.
5. Prepare the introduction#
Interns need a proper first day:
- tour of the workplace
- introduction to the team
- walkthrough of safety and routines
- clear expectations: working hours, dress code, contact details
- access to systems, tools and equipment
6. Create a schedule for the first week#
The first week sets the tone. Plan day by day what the intern does, who they're with and which tasks are introduced. After the first week, the schedule can become more flexible.
7. Set up check-in routines#
Plan in:
- short daily wrap-up: "how was the day?"
- weekly check-in with the supervisor
- mid-term check-in with the school (phone or visit)
- final evaluation last week
8. Document internally#
Create a short internal guide: "How we host interns". It doesn't need to be long – one page is enough. It ensures the process doesn't stop when the supervisor changes next term.
Timeline: May to September#
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| May | Determine capacity and assign supervisors |
| June | Contact schools, register interest |
| July | Prepare introduction materials and tasks |
| August | Confirm interns, send welcome information |
| September | Conduct introduction, start the internship |
Common mistakes to avoid#
Promise more than you can deliver. Don't say "you'll get to work with everything" if the intern will mostly observe. Be honest about what you offer.
Forget to inform the team. Everyone in the department should know an intern is coming, why they're there and what's expected of them.
No plan B. If the supervisor gets sick or the project is cancelled – who takes over? Have a backup.
Treat the intern as a guest. Interns who are included in the team learn more and feel better. Invite them to meetings, fika and joint activities.
How Prakto can help#
A digital internship platform like Prakto makes it easier to receive requests from schools, manage agreements and follow up on interns during the period. Companies that make their placements visible digitally get better matches and avoid manual email handling.
Frequently asked questions#
How early should we plan?#
At least three months before the internship starts. Schools begin matching during spring for autumn periods.
Does it cost anything to host interns?#
No salary is required. The cost is the supervisor's time and any equipment. Insurance is normally arranged by the school.
What do we do if the match doesn't work?#
Contact the school. A switch can often be arranged early. It's better to act quickly than to let a bad match continue.
Do we need a formal agreement?#
Yes, an internship agreement should be in place. The school usually provides it, but the company should read and approve the terms.
Can we host interns from multiple schools at the same time?#
Yes, if you have capacity. Make sure each intern has their own supervisor or clear contact person.
Conclusion#
Autumn's interns are decided during spring. Companies that plan now – with clear supervisors, well thought-out tasks and a simple introduction routine – will get better interns, fewer problems and a stronger connection to the future workforce.
