The first half of the school year is over, the vocational training fair (BAM) for the Ludwigsburg district took place on March 14 and 15, 2024, and many students who are graduating from school in the summer are grappling with the question of what to do after the summer vacations. While most school leavers take the
-While most school leavers take the traditional route and embark on vocational training or a course of study straight after leaving school, there are some young people who get involved in social, ecological or cultural projects as part of the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD). The most important prerequisite for participation in the Federal Voluntary Service is the completion of compulsory full-time schooling, which is usually fulfilled at the age of 16.
Participants report on the BFD at the Middle Neckar Nutrition Center
The BFD offers younger volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable life experience, acquire and deepen social skills and get involved for the common good. "I was able to take on projects and tasks independently, for which I was given a lot of trust. The BFD year at the Mitterer Neckar Nutrition Center made me more self-confident and more structured in my work and tasks," says Annika Waibler about her experiences at the Mittlerer Neckar Nutrition Center.
Varied tasks and lots of new things inspire BFD volunteers
Former BFD volunteer Lena Mitsch explains the special appeal of the BFD position at the EZ MN: "The fields of work at the EZ are very diverse. Being based at the Ludwigsburg District Office also allows you to find out about current political developments in the areas of food and agriculture. In addition, being part of the agricultural office and working with the organic model region means that you also learn a lot about the agricultural and organic sector. I also found it interesting to see how work functions in an official structure. The Federal Voluntary Service offers an easy opportunity to get a taste of working at a district office.
Federal Volunteer Service starts annually on September 1
The Nutrition Center Mittlerer Neckar is an independent information center of the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection and the Ludwigsburg District Office and is registered as an assignment location for BFD volunteers.
Every year on September 1, a place is offered as part of the Federal Voluntary Service. The Federal Volunteer Service is completed full-time and usually lasts twelve months. The activities of the BFD volunteers are as varied as the services on offer and range from office organization to preparing and accompanying events in the field of nutrition education.
"After leaving school, I saw the position at the EZ MN as the perfect opportunity to gain new experience in a job that combines office work, contact with people and nutrition education," says Mirella Krenkler, BFD volunteer at the Middle Neckar Nutrition Center.
The EZ MN has very good contact with the former BDF volunteers. Mitsch and Waibler explain the reasons for this as follows: "I was very warmly welcomed into the whole team. The colleagues were very nice, the working atmosphere was good, I was neither under- nor over-challenged. The work is varied and I was able to experience a lot," reports Mitsch. "I was able to gain great experiences and memories and learn a lot about our food and sustainability. I simply had a wonderful year that I look back on with great pleasure," adds Waibler.
Apply now for Federal Voluntary Service at the Middle Neckar Nutrition Center
BFD volunteers at the Middle Neckar Nutrition Center receive €450 pocket money per month. The current job advertisement and further information can be found on the homepage under General Information, BuFDi. Applications are still possible:
Students of ecotrophology, nutritional sciences and related disciplines, preferably from the 4th semester onwards, who would like to orient themselves or become involved in the field of nutritional information and consumer education, can complete an internship or practical semester at the Middle Neckar Nutrition Center. Further information is available at https://ludwigsburg.landwirtschaft-bw.de/site/pbs-bw-mlr-root/get/documents_E-789930993/MLR.LEL/PB5Documents/lralb/Ernaehrungszentrum/_Homepage-allgemein/StudienpraktikantInnen_Ernaehrungszentrum.pdf
If you have any questions, please contact the head of the nutrition center, Ludmilla Scheel, by phone or e-mail. Tel.: 07141 144-42841, Ludmilla.Scheel[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de.
