What is Werkstattschule?
Werkstattschule e.V. is a non-profit organization in Heidelberg dedicated to empowering young people through practical, action-oriented educational projects.
Our two fields of activity are:
School projects: We organize hands-on projects in schools to help students discover their own talents and consider them when choosing a career. Through craftsmanship and artistic workshops, we guide them from idea development to implementation.
Youth aid: We support young individuals aged 15 to 25 in their transition to work by offering structured daily activities, including workshops, individual guidance, and hands-on experience in crafts, arts, academics, and life skills to foster personal growth and self-confidence.
We believe that everyone has unique talents, as diverse as people themselves. We offer a space to discover, develop, and apply these talents in meaningful ways for the community. Our focus is on the experience of being able to make a difference.
What projects will you be working on?
As a volunteer, you will take part in school projects, working alongside a small team (usually with two people from Werkstattschule) to guide students through hands-on activities lasting between three and five days. Together, you will create something useful for the school, for example a bench for the schoolyard, a mural for the walls, or furniture for a classroom. You will lead a group of three to six students, teaching them how to use tools, encouraging their creativity, and ensuring a safe and supportive working environment. These projects are part of the school’s career orientation program, helping students explore practical skills and teamwork. We work with students aged 12 to 17, in both regular classes (KooBo projects) and special classes designed for newly arrived students in Germany who are still learning the language (KooBo Z projects).
Wood carving projects
You will mainly be assigned to wood carving projects. This includes introducing students to the tools and teaching them how to use them safely, brainstorming and discussing design ideas together, and transferring the chosen designs onto wooden boards. You will guide students through the carving process, use contour paint to highlight the carved details, and teach them how to use a sanding machine while supervising their work. You will also paint the boards with oil paints and assemble the finished pieces by screwing the boards together or attaching them to a structure.
Other projects
Werkstattschule also organizes school projects in areas beyond wood carving. Occasionally, you may have the opportunity to take part in these alternative projects, which could involve wall painting, printing and stamp-making (for cards, bags, T-shirts, etc.), or even theater activities.
However, please note that participation in these projects is not guaranteed, as it depends on availability and project scheduling. Your main focus will remain on wood carving, but if the opportunity arises, you may be involved in these creative experiences as well!
Please note that this is hands-on work—you’ll be using tools, working with wood and paint, and your clothes will likely get dirty. The work environment can be dusty, and you may need to carry heavy objects during projects or project preparation.
What do we offer to you?
Your volunteering year starts in mid-September. We will provide you with a fully equipped apartment in Heidelberg.
In line with ESC policy:
You will receive a monthly allowance for food and pocket money (around 500€ per month).
You will have two additional free days per month (on top of weekends), which can be accumulated and used later in the year.
Your travel costs to and from your home country will be reimbursed.
You will take part in two ESC seminars (on-arrival and mid-term) with other volunteers from across Germany.
You will have access to an online language course and in-person language support during the first months.
Transportation:
A bike will be provided for you as your main means of transport in the bike-friendly city of Heidelberg.
You will receive a Deutschland Ticket, giving you access to public transportation throughout Germany during your volunteering year.
Personal growth:
At Werkstattschule, you can learn new skills by joining workshops such as 3D wood carving, stone carving, and concrete modeling.
During weeks without school projects, you can focus on personal activities and use the workshop space for your own creative projects.
No special skills are required although we are looking for volunteers who have the desire to develop or enhance their handcraft and/or media skills. Furthermore, you should like to be creative and get in touch with people from other countries and cultures.