Why do young people like the Civil Service? The 10 secrets behind its success
Personal development, reserved places in public sector recruitment exams, certified skills, university credits and much more: this is what you gain by dedicating a year to helping others – the best investment in your future. Interview with Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth
A year of one’s life to be devoted, as a volunteer, to serving the common good, in order to strengthen a sense of civic duty and community, whilst acquiring transferable skills, benefiting from a quota of places in public sector recruitment competitions and, not to be underestimated, a monthly allowance of around 520 euros. But, above all, gaining an experience that can mark a decisive turning point in the difficult transition – especially at this moment in history – towards adulthood, enabling many young people under 29 to test their vocations and look forward with greater confidence to the prospect of entering the world of work. This alone would suffice to explain the success of the Universal Civil Service, which was also confirmed during the latest round. However, to grasp all the possible nuances, the Skuola.net portal decided to speak directly to Andrea Abodi, the Minister for Sport and Youth.
1. An initiative tailored to young people and students
The Universal Civil Service is an opportunity available throughout the country – including small towns – and abroad, tailored specifically for young people, not only because applications can be submitted until the age of 29, but also because the commitment required is 25 hours a week, making it compatible with both university studies and other activities or personal projects currently underway.
2. A ‘pass’ to a job in the civil service
In the past, the Universal Civil Service was lacking something: that year dedicated to others and to the common good, whilst representing a valuable experience, was not, however, given sufficient recognition. Consequently, the current Government has introduced legislation stipulating that 15 per cent of non-managerial posts in public sector recruitment competitions must be reserved for volunteers who have completed the Universal Civil Service without any disciplinary issues.
3. A ‘certification of human qualities’, from an employment perspective (not only in the public sector)
Exactly. To further promote the Civil Service, we are engaging with the main publicly listed companies with state shareholdings, as well as other entirely private companies, so that they may take into account, during the recruitment process, those who have undertaken this experience. I am convinced – and I find this view widely shared – that the personal qualities, skills and awareness possessed by people who choose to dedicate a year of their lives to others can benefit both the public sector and the business world, helping to improve the quality of life within these organisations and their relationships with the outside world.
4. A certificate that looks good on your CV (and earns you credits)
Another significant step forward: I believe it is extremely important that, at the end of their placement, volunteer workers should be able to receive – depending on the project – a formal certificate recognising the skills they have acquired, a qualification that will certainly enhance their CV, with the possibility of also having university credits (CFU) recognised by the various partner universities. This is the result of a successful collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Universities and Research.
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