Voluntary Social Year - Carriers still have several volunteer service positions open
For those looking to complete a Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (Federal Voluntary Social Year) in Thuringen, there is still a good chance. A few weeks before the start of the voluntary year on September 1st, many organizations still have open positions. The responsible parties reported that applications are coming in later and later. In particular, there is a significant shortage in rural areas.
Challenges in Small Towns
Approximately 40 of the 125 positions are still vacant at the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) in Thuringen, according to a spokesperson. In small towns, there is a fundamental shortage of applicants and applicants. However, the AWO is cautiously optimistic that almost all open positions will be filled. There are inquiries every day.
At the German Red Cross in Thuringen, approximately every fifth of the 140 positions is still open. For the current situation, this is considered a good utilization. Often, positions remain open until the start on September 1st, which are then filled by trainees or students who have dropped out. Applications come in late. For many young people, the Freiwilligendienst (Voluntary Service) is also a bridge opportunity.
Late Applications Now Common
At the Caritasverband (Caritas Association) in the Diocese of Erfurt, 45 of the 75 positions have been filled, according to a spokesperson. Applications are still welcome, he said. The development of the last few years shows that young people are deciding later and later for a voluntary service. Reasons include missing commitments for a study place or the interruption of a begun apprenticeship.
The Parity Welfare Association reported a constant demand compared to the previous year. It is assumed that over 100 positions will be given out.
Popular Work Areas
Regarding which areas the volunteers prefer, the organizations report different experiences. The AWO, for example, receives applications for positions in kindergartens in Eisenach and Erfurt and in Erfurt's youth work. However, there is a shortage in the areas of elderly care and hospitals.
At the Caritasverband and the German Red Cross, the hospital is currently in high demand as a place of deployment. Often, however, the place of residence and accessibility with public transportation are decisive, the organizations reported.
Despite the late surge of applications, Thuringia's AWO still has 40 vacant positions for the upcoming Federal Voluntary Social Year, particularly in small towns where applicant shortage is pronounced.
Surprisingly, the German Red Cross in Thuringen still has around 30 openings for their Voluntary Service program, with every fifth position remaining unoccupied.
Even in the well-subscribed Caritasverband in Erfurt, 30 out of 75 positions are yet to be filled, demonstrating the growing trend of candidates applying closer to the start date.
