Stuttgart sets standards: Five-time award for the best volunteer training!

Stuttgart sets standards: Five-time award for the best volunteer training!

The University of Stuttgart was once again recognized for its exemplary volunteer work. On September 23, 2025, the university received the award for the exemplary training of volunteers in the university communications departments. This is the fifth award that the University of Stuttgart has received in this category. Loud University of Stuttgart The PR traineeship includes two years of comprehensive training, which is enriched by practical editorial work at the university as well as further training and external positions.

The Federal Association of University Communication, an association of over 1,600 communication managers at universities in Germany, conducted a survey among volunteers. The association awards this prize to universities that adhere to the recommendations for high-quality training standards. This year a total of eight universities received awards.

The Volo Network

One of the key factors for promoting young talent in university communications is the “Volo network”. This network, which consists of volunteers from university communications departments in Germany, aims to promote the exchange of experiences and ideas about training, such as Federal Association of University Communication reported.

The network supports the training of volunteers and organizes annual workshops in collaboration with PRO Wissenschaft e.V. This initiative contributes to quality assurance and professionalization of the profession. Trained volunteers form the network's competence team, while all volunteers from university communications departments can become members of the network. Membership is free during the volunteer period.

Guide and support

In order to systematically improve training, the federal association has created guidelines that set binding training goals. An information handout helps trainers to make it easier for their volunteers to register with the federal association and offers newly registered volunteers valuable information about the Volo network's offerings. Since 2007, the volunteers have taken part in the annual conference of the federal association in order to actively participate in the further development of their professional training.

Overall, the award from the University of Stuttgart and the initiatives of the Volo network illustrate how important the professional training of communications staff in universities is. By exchanging knowledge and establishing common standards, the foundation is laid for future generations of communication professionals.