I was a trainee

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I was a trainee" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts, such as in a resume: "Prior to this role, I was a trainee in the accounting department of a large multinational corporation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"When I was a trainee journalist, I wanted to be her.

The Guardian

I was glad for once that I was a trainee with responsibility only to learn.

The Guardian

I was a trainee at the BBC working for the World Service on a two-year training scheme which was spent in offices and studio.

Independent

"At the time I was a trainee doctor and my wife was studying chemistry and I was away at the weekends.

The Guardian

Many years later, when I was a trainee GP in the area, I occasionally visited patients in adjacent – identical – tower blocks on the Freemasons estate (all were subsequently demolished).

The Telegraph

"I was a trainee at a Norwich gallery and one of my first jobs was to pick up John's paintings from his studio, hidden away above a meat-packing warehouse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I am a trainee teacher on the salaried School Direct programme.

The Guardian

I am a trainee civil engineer but college has stopped because of the violence.

BBC

She said: "When I'm in Perth, I'm a trainee solicitor at the same time and the company I work for are very accommodating in terms of allowing me to go into the firm and work and keep up that side of my academics.

BBC

I am in a training position, and told that I am a "trainee," that's on my title.

CBE Life Sciences Education

As Erin, a current postdoc, said, I am in a training position, and told that I am a "trainee," that's on my title.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past role, use "I was a trainee" to clearly state your position and level of experience at the time. This is particularly useful in resumes or cover letters to explain your career progression.

Common error

Avoid using "intern" and "trainee" interchangeably. While both involve learning, "intern" often implies a short-term, unpaid position, whereas "trainee" suggests a more structured program with potential for full-time employment. Using the wrong term can misrepresent your experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was a trainee" functions as a statement of past identity or role. It indicates that the speaker formerly held a position as a trainee, as demonstrated by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples across various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was a trainee" is a grammatically correct and commonly used statement to describe a past role. As Ludwig indicates, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, particularly in professional and academic settings. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure clarity and accuracy, differentiating it from similar terms like "intern". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is best used to provide background or contextual information about one's experience. In summary, using "I was a trainee" effectively involves understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was in training

Emphasizes the period of instruction and preparation.

I underwent training

Focuses on the act of receiving training rather than the role itself.

I participated in a traineeship

Highlights the structured program aspect of being a trainee.

I was a management trainee

Specifies the type of trainee position.

I was an apprentice

Suggests a hands-on learning experience, often in a trade.

I was under instruction

Highlights the supervision and guidance received during training.

I was a junior employee

Focuses on the hierarchical position within a company.

I was learning the ropes

An idiomatic expression for learning how to do something.

I was gaining experience

Emphasizes the act of learning through practical application.

I was a novice

Indicates a lack of experience in a particular field.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "I was a trainee" in a resume?

Use "I was a trainee" to clearly define your role and responsibilities, especially when highlighting early career experience. For example: "I was a trainee in the marketing department, assisting with campaign development and market research."

What's a suitable alternative to "I was a trainee" in a cover letter?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I was in training" or "I was an apprentice" to describe your role and experience. This can add variety to your language and emphasize specific aspects of your learning experience.

Is it appropriate to say "I am a trainee" when discussing a past role?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. Use "I was a trainee" to refer to a past role. "I am a trainee" is only appropriate when describing your current position.

What's the difference between saying "I was a trainee" and "I completed a traineeship"?

Saying "I was a trainee" describes your role, while "I completed a traineeship" emphasizes the successful completion of a structured training program. The latter highlights the outcome of your training.