The University of Bremen is not only a place of learning for students and early-career researchers. What many people do not know is that the university also offers a wide spectrum of practical, vocational apprenticeship opportunities. The apprenticeships offered include professions in the fields of service, trade, IT, and laboratory work. Up2date. will introduce you to three people who are training to become IT specialists.

Nico Timke

Nico Timke, 21 years old, completed his apprenticeship to become an IT specialist for system integration within the Faculty of Computer Science / Mathematics. He completed the apprenticeship in January and now works for the Faculty of Business Studies & Economics at the University of Bremen.

What is a typical day for you like?

During my apprenticeship, I took on projects on my own and then implemented then. Within the Faculty of Computer Science / Mathematics, I was involved in scientific projects so that I was able to contribute to current research projects. For example, I programmed and configurated a mobile router for the Autonomous Driving project, which I then also fitted in the car. In January, I completed my apprenticeship and now work in the Faculty of Business Studies & Economics. Together with one colleague, I am responsible for the setting up, management, operation, planning, and configuration of the IT systems for 250 people.

What was the best thing about your apprenticeship?

The diversity of the tasks – I was able to gain an insight into different things and also test them out – for example, controlling a robot or creating a casing for microchips using a 3D printer. There’s a really friendly working atmosphere at the university, which makes working there great.

To whom would you recommend the apprenticeship at the University of Bremen and why?

To everyone who is interested in IT and wants to get involved in extraordinary projects. The apprenticeship is well paid and is paid according to a salary agreement, which means that raises are regulated. The food in the Mensa cafeteria is also really good and there is a big choice so that you’re sure to always find something that you fancy.

Nicky Darlyn

Nicky Darlyn, 21 years old, is in his third year of the apprenticeship and is working in Administrative Unit 54 as an IT specialist for system integration.

What is a typical day for you like?

I am doing my apprenticeship in Administrative Unit 54, which advises and supports teaching and research staff with IT applications. That spans from purchasing hardware and installing software, to daily IT support. That is why I look at our ticket system every morning and then process inquiries and tasks that have reached us. In the afternoon, I usually work on large individual projects.

What was the best thing about your apprenticeship?

My colleagues, the flexible working hours, and the fact that I can implement my own projects autonomously.

To whom would you recommend the apprenticeship at the University of Bremen and why?

To everyone who is interested in IT. The apprenticeship is very multifaceted and has a fantastic infrastructure and is well equipped so that you can try out a great deal.

Norogini Balamuraly

Norogini Balamuraly, 34 years old, has just started her third apprenticeship year. She began her apprenticeship as an application developer in the Faculty of Computer Science / Mathematics. However, after three months she decided to swap to system integration and now works for Bremen Health Department.

What is a typical day for you like?

I started my apprenticeship to become an application developer in the Faculty of Computer Science / Mathematics. Together with other apprentices, I learnt how to install and operate Linux. I then supervised a sub-project, where one of the things I did was write a program for the access rights to the university storage facilities. I did this because after new photocopiers had been purchased by the university, the access transponders were no longer needed for that purpose. We then used them to hand out access rights for each of the storage facilities. I developed the program for that and it was not easy. But the hard work was worth it, and I was able to complete the project.

However, for a short while now, I have been working at Bremen Health Department in the field of system integration and am supporting two colleagues with the administration of the in-house IT systems. Recently, we technically equipped the corona test stations at the airport.

What was the best thing about your apprenticeship?

The autonomous, flexible work. Thanks to flexitime, it’s possible to come to work earlier and then leave if you have a private appointment. I really like that. Additionally, you are prepared for the exams at the end of the apprenticeship right from the beginning. I have always been able to address problems and solutions have always been found together.

To whom would you recommend the apprenticeship at the University of Bremen and why?

To everyone who is interested in technology and computers. You shouldn’t have any big inhibitions about doing an apprenticeship – you learn a lot theoretically but mainly practically – who dares wins!

Are you interested in an apprenticeship to become an IT specialist?

During a tour of the apprenticeship area for IT, our apprentices will show you what exciting projects are waiting for you during your vocational training at the University of Bremen.

Register and find out more at the tour:

September 24, 2020, at 3 p.m., registration deadline: September 22, 2020.

Please send registrations to the e-mail address it-info@fb3.uni-bremen.de. More Informations about the tour

General information on apprenticeships at the University of Bremen

Apprenticeships in the Faculty of Computer Science / Mathematics