Vocational training: Becoming a Future Maker as an Apprentice!

The three-year office management assistant vocational training at Fachhochschule Dortmund is versatile and multifaceted. Every three months, you will move to a different department of the University Administration or a faculty what will give you a good understanding of all administrative tasks at our University. Vocational training positions are available in all departments of University Administration, such as Human Resources, Finances, Student Services, or Facility Management as well as in various faculty front offices. Everyday tasks include processing incoming and outgoing mail and preparing letters or procurement orders. In addition, all standard office duties, such as setting up meetings, are part of the vocational training. In each department, the apprentices are supervised by at least one training supervisor/practical supervisor, who is also the contact person for our questions and problems.

"I could not get this job [...] out of my head.” ~Phuong Anh Dang (KfB)

Currently, we are offering vocational trainings in the University IT Department as well as in the Faculty of Computer Science and in the Faculty of Business Studies for a training position as an IT specialist with a specialization in system integration. You can expect a wide range of responsibilities. IT specialists provide service and support via phone, e-mail and on-site. Starting with the basic installation and configuration of computers, to the maintenance of servers and their applications, administration of user and e-mail accounts, and procurement of hardware and software. As an apprentice at Fachhochschule Dortmund, you will have the opportunity to work mostly independently and take on your own areas of responsibility after only a short training period. Should our staff members or students encounter any problems with applications or PCs, you will be their first contact person. If you cannot solve a problem yourself, a large and experienced team of trainers, as well as colleagues, will be there to support you at any time.

It is always a highlight when you successfully solve a problem.” ~Felix Ehmke (Fachinformatiker)

In the three-year specialist for media and information services vocational training with a specialization in library systems, you will get to know the library administration as well as all four faculty libraries of Fachhochschule Dortmund. The acquisition, processing, and provision of media of all kinds as well as user support are part of the training. Specialists for media and information services (FAMIs) acquire books, journals and other media for Fachhochschule Dortmund. In doing so, we take, e.g., bibliographies (DNB) into consideration and also respond to purchase suggestions from users, such as professors. We also loan media that are not in our own library from other libraries at the request of users or share media from our library with other libraries. One of the most important responsibilities, however, is the user support that includes checking out media and handling the returns at the service counter, as well as reserving requested books. Quite often, you will also be an advisor and supervisor for the users. This includes an introduction to library use, assistance with effective research, a willingness to be open to any questions and to provide information and guidance.

„Die Art und Weise sich mit einer Rallye mit dem eigenen Unternehmen auseinanderzusetzen und mehr von diesem kennen zu lernen war sehr spannend.“ ~Amelie Flitsch (FaMI)

During the 3.5-year vocational training as an electronics technician with a specialization in building and infrastructure systems, you will work in the electrical workshop and handle all electrical technical building management tasks at Fachhochschule Dortmund. Distinctive features of the vocational training at Fachhochschule Dortmund are the versatile responsibilities. These include electrical installation in offices, laboratories and in other spaces of the university. As an apprentice, you will also handle repairs and maintenance work of electrical and telephone systems in buildings and outdoor facilities of the university. In addition, you will also support students with their project work. As an electronics technician, you will also be responsible for laying, connecting and maintaining data and communication lines.

The part-time (“dual”) study program for professionals combines the vocational training for IT specialists for system integration/application development (Fachinformatiker*in für Systemintegration/Anwendungsentwicklung) with the academic Bachelor’s studies specializing in Systems Engineering/Software Engineering. The nine-semester study program as well as the vocational training at Fachhochschule Dortmund will both take place directly at the university and ensure a strong practical orientation through the alternation of study and operational content throughout the week. By rotating between different departments, apprentices get to know a wide range of responsibilities. In addition to setting up computer workstations and dealing with application and system-related problems, the in-house training focuses on analyzing, developing, and adapting specialist IT applications, as well on project work. By completing the part-time study program, you will acquire an attractive double qualification in the field of computer science.