Workshops

Workshops

Workshops facilitated by DHL volunteers are an easy and popular way of passing on essential employability skills to youngsters. The young people develop personal and professional skills, not only on a practical level (e.g. CV writing, public speaking) but also in terms of communication and leadership skills.

Duration: 2-3 hours + 1-2 hours preparation

Number of young people involved: Up to 30

Number of volunteers involved: Preferably teams of 2-5

Frequency: Flexible formats - one-time workshops, series of workshops on consecutive weekends, a workshop week,…

Place: SOS CV

How to set up a GoTeach Workshop

• SOS staff assess the need for workshops and meet with DHL volunteers to define content
• DHL volunteers team up to provide workshop sessions with varying focus areas, coordinating the preparation internally (see template in attachment)
• Ideally, the workshop starts with a fast-paced ice-breaker activity
• The workshop itself then focuses on developing different transferable employability skills
• Volunteers run 5-7 different activities that help the students to understand, develop and put into practice different skills
• With the help of the volunteers, the young people work in groups, individually and as a class to complete different activities
• Volunteers have the opportunity to reflect on their leadership and teamwork skills, using real-world examples with the students

‘A girl approached me and told me that this talk helped her understand what responsibilities she will have at work, and that she liked the fact that we were sharing life experiences.’

Anonymous volunteer on feedback he got from a young participant

DID YOU KNOW?

Workshops are one of the best methods to teach young people the skills they will need when applying for and working in a job. They are easy to prepare and a one-off event can reach many people.

Useful hints

• Every volunteer should choose the workshop topic that he/she is most interested in
• Throughout the workshop, the volunteers should share their own stories, discussing the different roles they have worked in and the skills needed for each position
• Ideas for workshops:
  • CV writing
  • Internet job portals
  • Leadership
  • Job interview preparation
  • Confidence
  • Teamwork
  • Responsibility
  • Personal finance
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication problem solving
  • Public speaking

Chapter lead	Susanne Novotny