The European Solidarity Corps is a professional mobility scheme funded by the European Union, run by Pôle emploi, the French Public Employment Service, and its European partners. Are you aged between 18 and 30? Are you a European citizen? This programme enables you to go and work in another European Union country and to get involved in paid placements that are useful to others.
Do something useful for other people, learn new skills, enjoy a new and stimulating experience abroad, spice up your life: tempted? This is what the European Solidarity Corps offers.
NGOs, non-profit organisations, companies – the organisations taking part in the European Solidarity Corps operate in all sectors of activity. The only condition is that the job they offer contributes to helping people and communities. Some examples? Work on rebuilding a school destroyed by an earthquake, prevention of forest fires, assistance for vulnerable people, work with the disabled, and so on.
You are a European citizen living in Europe. The European Solidarity Corps enables you to take part in projects in the 28 countries of the European Union. You’ll be able to get to know or rediscover one of those countries.
The young people who work in the European Solidarity Corps come from all over Europe. More than 40,000 have already joined. You too can take advantage of this amazing mixture of experiences and genuine openness to Europe.
Are you motivated? Are you interested? You just have to take the first step: register, give your contact details, an overview of your experience and an idea of the sort of projects you are interested in. Whatever your educational level or experience, you’re welcome to join.
He or she helps you prepare for your departure: writing a CV, evaluating your skills, information on living and working conditions in the country you want to work in, search for job offers, putting you in contact with employers, etc. No stress on the administrative formalities front either: your adviser is there to explain everything. Last but not least, he or she will keep in touch throughout your placement.
If necessary before you leave, you may be offered some language training. Once you have joined the company, your employer may offer you some training as part of an integration programme.
NGOs, voluntary bodies, companies – the structures taking part in the European Solidarity Corps operate in all sectors of activity. The only condition is that the job they offer contributes to helping people and communities. Some examples? Work on rebuilding a school destroyed by an earthquake, prevention of forest fires, assistance for vulnerable sections of the population, work with the disabled, and so on.
Whether on a work contract, apprenticeship contract or traineeship, your employer will pay you a salary or allowance. The European Solidarity Corps programme, for its part, can cover the cost of travelling to an interview, settling in to your new country of residence, getting your diplomas and qualifications recognised. It can also help you with the cost of coming back to your home country.
During the placement, you get involved in a professional activity. Your commitment and experience are recognised by a certificate signed by your employer detailing the activities and tasks you have accomplished. A genuine springboard for your future search for work or to receive more training.
When you come back, your adviser will also help you evaluate and evaluate and highlight the soft skills acquired during your experience: open-mindedness, adaptation to change, interpersonal skills, a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, etc.
He or she can also give you a hand with updating your CV or finding the professional sectors best suited to your new profile.
A few months after the creation of the European Solidarity Corps and they are already out there helping to rebuild the town damaged by a violent earthquake in October 2016.
As a trainee within the European Solidarity Corps, Marco’s task is to help the refugees housed in a centre in Essen, Germany, to solve their day-to-day problems, including access to social services.
