Young people take on the role of politicians

Truly a challenge: The trainees of the city administration and the fire brigade now dealt with the asylum and refugee policy of the European Union. In the process, they slipped into various roles of EU politicians and learned a lot about the processes and procedures related to laws.

Luisa Hölling, Bachelor of Laws trainee and represented in the Portugal Council of Ministers in the simulation: "It was nice to get together with all the trainees and learn about the abstract topic of the EU. I would definitely recommend it to others because it was a really cool experience." Laura Welsing, Bachelor of Laws apprentice, said: "I found it exciting to put myself in a role whose point of view I don't share at all. It was great that everyone got involved in their roles. A very successful action!"

The history and organs of the EU, draft laws, the Geneva Refugee Convention, distribution keys, Frontex deployment and current events such as at the Belarusian border - the young people gained an impression of the size and complexity of the EU apparatus and its law-making structures because they were allowed to play an active role themselves. It felt state-like when the European anthem was played in the refectory. The participants quickly realised in the discussions that there is not only "black or white" and that compromises are the means to an end.

Eva Telahr, Deputy Head of Training at the City of Bocholt, summed up: "A very successful event. The participants were able to think outside the box through the simulation game. I think it was great that our junior staff got to know each other better. Unfortunately, this has fallen by the wayside lately due to Corona."

Nediem Arem, consultant at Civic GmbH: "I thought it was great to see the energy, dynamism and enthusiasm with which the trainees got involved in the simulation game, but I also liked the good organisation by the responsible employees of the city of Bocholt."

Background "Trainee Summit

The trainee summit was organised in cooperation with the Karl Arnold Foundation. Nediem Arem and Charlotte Klassen from Civic GmbH led the programme as speakers. Trainees from the city administration and the fire brigade took part. Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff welcomed the young municipal employees.

Career at the City

Trainees of the Bocholt municipal administration are supported and accompanied throughout their training. If you are interested in a career at the Bocholt municipal administration, you can find information about the variety of job profiles at www.bocholt.de/rathaus/ausbildung. Cliché was yesterday: Not for nothing is the hashtag motto of the municipal training campaign in Bocholt #andersalsdudenkst .