Volunteer professionals support the trainees of tomorrow in the Neckar-Odenwald

Volunteer professionals support the trainees of tomorrow in the Neckar-Odenwald

In the Neckar-Odenwald district it is not just about the future of young people, but also about the commitment of experienced professionals. The “VerAplus” mentoring program of the Senior Expert Service (SES) is committed to actively supporting trainees on their way into the professional world. This is where seniors with professional experience come into play. They support prospective skilled workers in schools, training companies and during exams. This initiative is supported by the Neckar-Odenwald District Office and relies on personal support with a 1:1 principle, in which the mentors pass on their valuable expertise directly to the trainees. According to Bildungsketten.de, the goal is not only to reduce training dropouts, but also to make it easier for young people to enter the world of work.

The program is aimed particularly at those trainees who have special support needs. Offers such as improving self-organization, help with application documents and interviews, and the development of learning strategies are intended to strengthen the trainees' self-confidence. The volunteers appear in a protected environment to give the mentees support and accompany them in their learning. After all, it is no secret that around 25 percent of all training contracts in Germany are terminated prematurely - a situation that “VerAplus” wants to change sustainably, as the Senior Expert Service emphasizes.

The heart of the program

An important aspect of the “VerAplus” program is the preparation of volunteers. They take part in an introductory seminar and are then part of an exchange of experiences with their colleagues. This not only gives them the information they need, but also the opportunity to contribute their own experiences. This intensive preparation ensures that the mentors are optimally prepared for the challenges of the training situation. In order to ensure the quality of the support, the senior experts are registered with the SES and must regularly take part in further training.

What’s special about this program? It not only supports socially disadvantaged young people, but also people in rural areas and in nursing and health professions. The support initially lasts one year, but can be extended as required. Another advantage: Participation is free for everyone involved - this includes trainees as well as training companies and vocational schools. You can find out more and register on the SES website.

Conclusion: A strong network for the future

The “VerAplus” initiative creates a strong network that builds a bridge between the experienced specialists of yesterday and the talents of tomorrow. The support aims to reduce the high dropout rate from training relationships and to offer young people a stable basis for their professional careers. Especially at a time when the shortage of skilled workers is noticeable, such an initiative is not only important but also forward-looking.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor in this valuable program, you can contact Klaus Harder, the VerAplus regional coordinator, directly:

• Tel.: 0171 3755359
• E-Mail: heilbronn@vera.ses-bonn.de
• Website: www.vera.ses-bonn.de

Together we can make a significant contribution to promoting the next generation of skilled workers! It is up to us to support the next generations and make their transition into working life easier. This means that homeland care is not only important, but also lived!