Two weeks ago, we had our „Bewerberwoche“ or Try-Out-Week, an intense week where applicants do their best in hopes to enter our program for a year. 

Their goal is to enter Vocational Training here in Germany and understand they need our preparation year at [p3] to achieve that goal. 

Nothing compares to working and learning alongside team members that know their goal and their motivation is clear. Part of this Try-Out-Week is learning some basics in working with wood, metall & elektro. Yes, we look at their performance but actually more important for us is evaluating their motivation, their focus, ability to work in a team, receive feedback, and other key aspects. Those are the indicators of someone who can and wants to learn, after all! Every time, we are in awe of the motivation and dedication from every applicant, which makes our decision that much harder. 

This year, I had the privilege of leading our p3-team through this week. I recruited, planned, conducted some cognitive tests and the Interviews. My favorite part of the week was the individual interviews. Hearing their journey, their story, how they found us, why they need p3 for their next steps is so special. An add-on to how special the interviews are is the fact that they are also conducted and questions are asked by David Rösch, our CEO. It is always great to hear the heart behind the purpose of founding and creating p3. When David explains why we do what we do, and why [p3] is here just for people like them, is always a special moment. 

As I mentioned above, the decision of choosing our team is never easy. And to be honest, our team for next school year isn’t yet totally set. The next step is still in progress. We have to wait for approval for every applicant from the different Authorities and Offices. Every case is different, every person has their own set of paperwork that has to go through for us to be able to give them that contract to do the program with us. But that is where we are right now, waiting, in the middle of paperwork, fighting for every one which we would like to accept on our team here next year. 

That is first the moment where they give us their information, let us scan their IDs and current status. I am glad that after a week of getting to know each other, they give us their trust. We are able to say, thank you for applying, we now take over and will do everything we can and is in our hands to have you in our team for one year. 

And then…and after that, we work learn together for one year. We have one year. A chance to learn together to be ready for Vocational Training. 

Bewerberwoche or Try-Outs week is definitely an intense, long, beautiful and hopeful week, all at the same time. At [p3], our goal is to do this week once a year. Once a year, we choose our team for the next year. We take this week very seriously and after this week, we have a better idea of what the coming year could look like and get excited for a new challenge, for a new adventure, to cheer on a new team to learn with us. 

I hope that by me sharing this, also encourages you. We hope it encourages you to be reminded of why you do what you do. We want to also thank you for being part of the [p3]-Team. For encouraging us with every comment, every like on our social media, every time you donate and tell your friends about [p3]. It encourages us to keep going. So thank you! 

Now that the Corona time is coming to an end and we are able to see each other in person, we want to invite you to swing by and come see us. Our Hydroponic System has grown and is greener than ever! 

Hope to see you soon, friends!

‘Til next time, 

Cynthia