Stage

Hi, I am italian. I have a doubt about one of the meaning attributed to the word "stage" (english pronunciation), which in Italy is commonly used for "training course". In that meaning, in my opinion, it should be used the french pronunciation: as far as I know in english the word "stage" has not that meaning. But I may be wrong, and I hope some who reads this message will tell me.
By the way, the word has become extremely popular since Clinton/Lewinsky affair, when she was defined a "stagista", having a sort of short-term position at the White House.
thank you
C.B.