Interview

IT specialists:
A degree is only the start

With 457,000 residents, the Rhein-Kreis-Neuss district is one of Germany's largest. The Office for Information and communication technology employs around 40 workers, many of whom have completed vocational IT training. The district is dedicated to vocational training IT specialists due to digitization and increasing shortages of trained experts. This serves as the basis for multiple ongoing development opportunities. Isabel Hesse is responsible for technical training professions, among other matters, as the Deputy Training Manager. She talks about what she values when looking for IT trainees, and what career opportunities there are in the IT office.

Isabel Hesse

“We highly value trainees who are friendly, team-oriented, and ready to learn.”

Isabel Hesse, Amt für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie, Rhein-Kreis Neuss

How many IT specialists are you training?

Sometimes, applicants are not certain whether to start an vocational IT training program or a degree program. In this case, we advise them to try an internship in our IT office. Then they can get an idea of what is out there, talk to our IT experts, and decide whether a vocational training program or degree program is the best option for them.

What characteristics should they have?

We highly value trainees who are friendly, team-oriented, and ready to learn. These characteristics are extremely important in our everyday work. They will need a readiness to learn, for instance, beyond the time they are in training because technologies develop quickly in IT especially. In addition, we ensure that applicants are truly interested in the training program.  

During the selection process, shortlisted candidates complete an online test. It tests various skills, like cognitive performance, digital competence or professional interests. It also tests personal qualities like communication skills or social competence.

Is it difficult to fill your training positions?

No, because IT specialist is a popular profession among young adults interested in IT.

Who supports trainees during their training?

In the IT office, we have a training officer who acts as the first point of contact and helps them with anything they need.

We also support them with a variety of advanced training sessions during this time. In addition to technical content, like how to use different programs, we teach interdisciplinary competencies like organization, planning, structuring work, learning how to learn, or preparing for tests. 

We ensure everyone treats one another in a respectful and friendly manner, and ensure a comfortable working climate. After all, work is much more fun with a smile on your lips. We also always have a sympathetic ear for our trainees’ concerns, so they feel that they are understood and taken care of.

What happens after they complete their training?
We offer a variety of development programs. After completing an IT specialist training program, for example, specialists can complete a dual studies program in administrative IT, or a training for junior managers. Here’s just one example: We have an employee who started by completing a vocational training as an IT specialist, then completed a dual studies program in administrative IT. Today, he is the department manager in our IT office. And he did all of it in just ten years.
How important will the dual IT training program be at your company in the future?
In the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, the issue of vocational training is and will remain very important, in light of increasing digitization. We will be continuously expanding our training programs to meet existing and future challenges.