Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (Medieninformatik)

Assistants in media informatics are trained in a school-based setting. Learning locations include vocational schools (Berufsfachschule/Berufskolleg) and internship companies. Vocational schools have classrooms (group instruction) and the school's own computer rooms. Internship companies can be office spaces, for example, of media companies, advertising agencies, industrial, commercial, or service enterprises.

This is a vocational training (Ausbildung) profession. The training is school-based at vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen und Berufskollegs) and regulated by state law (landesrechtlich). The training duration is 2-3 years. Learning locations are vocational schools and internship companies. In this profession, assistants in media informatics primarily create software and implement design specifications. They select authoring tools and programming languages with which they can process raw data and integrate graphics, images, sound, and animations. They also participate in the conception and editing of multimedia products. For example, they design AV products, computer graphics and animations, edit images and video sequences, and ensure a user-friendly presentation of text, image, and sound. Their tasks also include building or expanding multimedia databases and providing technical support for multimedia systems or networks. They work in media companies, advertising agencies, industrial, commercial, or service enterprises.

The job title is Assistant in Media Informatics. This is a vocational school (Berufsfachschulberuf) profession. The training duration is 2-3 years. Typically, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife), or general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) is required. In this profession, assistants in media informatics primarily create software and implement design specifications. They select authoring tools and programming languages with which they can process raw data and integrate graphics, images, sound, and animations. They also participate in the conception and editing of multimedia products. For example, they design AV products, computer graphics and animations, edit images and video sequences, and ensure a user-friendly presentation of text, image, and sound. Their tasks also include building or expanding multimedia databases and providing technical support for multimedia systems or networks. They work in media companies, advertising agencies, industrial, commercial, or service enterprises.

2-3 years

An example of the hour distribution is as follows: 1. Cross-vocational learning area: German/Communication (80 hours), Religious Education (80 hours), Sports/Health Promotion (80 hours), Politics/Social Studies (80 hours). The total cross-vocational learning area is 320 hours. 2. Vocation-specific learning area: Media Technology and Media Design (560-700 hours), Software (480-640 hours), Operating Systems/Networks (280-380 hours), Databases (280-380 hours), Economics (80 hours), Mathematics (80 hours), English (80 hours), Differentiation area (240-480 hours). The total vocation-specific learning area is 2,560 hours. The total number of hours is 2,880 hours.

Training at public schools is generally free for students, but admission and examination fees may apply. Private schools, however, usually charge course fees. Additional costs may arise, for example, for learning materials, travel to the training location, or external accommodation. Under certain conditions, students participating in vocational training (Ausbildung) can receive funding according to the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG). For more information, refer to BAföG.

During theoretical and practical lessons, one learns, for example, how to create websites, how to analyze, plan, build, commission, and network IT systems, how to use and adapt databases, how to develop programs and multimedia objects, how to install and administer servers, what to consider when installing, configuring, and administering web server systems, how to develop web presences according to customer requirements, how to develop and provide network-based database systems, what to consider when preparing print media, and how to prepare and present information. During the Ausbildung (vocational training), general subjects such as German and economics and social studies are also taught. During company internships, theoretical content is put into practice and applied in the office. Students gain insight into company operations, gather experience in typical professional working methods, and get an overview.

One should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: In theoretical lessons, instruction in a classroom setting, possibly project work, and processing content at home. In the school's own classrooms and in the internship company: Practical collaboration (under guidance), e.g., programming multimedia applications and interactive products, developing multimedia products. Environment: Screen work in offices, changing workplaces and conditions in field service. Working hours: Partially weekend or night work (in system monitoring). Requirements: Technical understanding and spatial imagination (e.g., implementing technical sketches when planning networks), creativity and perseverance (e.g., programming novel multimedia applications, persistently searching for program errors), meticulousness (e.g., testing multimedia applications), oral expression skills (e.g., advising customers on product marketing and sales), willingness to learn (e.g., keeping up with the latest developments).

For an Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad, the following options are available, for example: Austria offers training opportunities via AMS Ausbildungskompass (e.g., with the search term 'Medieninformatik') and WIFI Österreich (e.g., with the search term 'Medieninformatik'). France offers training opportunities via onisep - French training database (e.g., via free text search with the search term 'assistant/assistante informatique').

No remuneration is paid for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Computer science: e.g., programming languages for software development; Mathematics: e.g., to calculate prices; English: e.g., to understand English operating instructions; Art: e.g., to design navigation for interactive products; Technology: e.g., to plan, install, and operate IT systems.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Assistant in Media Informatics: Hardware and software development areas: Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (general computer science), Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (software engineering), Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (technical computer science), Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (business informatics), Fachinformatiker/Fachinformatikerin Fachrichtung Anwendungsentwicklung, Kaufmännischer Assistent/Wirtschaftsassistent / Kaufmännische Assistentin/Wirtschaftsassistentin - Betriebsinformatik, Mathematisch-technischer Softwareentwickler/Mathematisch-technische Softwareentwicklerin. Commonality: Developing, programming, testing, and installing software.

The duration of the Ausbildung (vocational training) in Berlin is 3 years.

The development of this Ausbildung began in 1992 with the 'Framework Agreement on the Training and Examination of State-Certified Technical Assistants at Vocational Schools' by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz - KMK). From 1992 onwards, based on this framework agreement, the Bundesländer (federal states), such as Saxony, issued their own regulations.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge and skills are imparted in the following areas: General subjects include German/Communication, Economics and Social Studies, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sports/Health Promotion. Vocational subjects cover topics such as analyzing, planning, building, commissioning, and networking IT systems; developing and adapting application software; planning, creating, and maintaining databases; ensuring energy supply for IT systems; analyzing, building, connecting with IT systems, programming, and commissioning automation systems; observing data security, data protection, and copyrights; adhering to norms and regulations, utilizing technical rules and provisions; analyzing operational processes, workflows, and general conditions; analyzing customer requirements, advising and supporting customers; applying methods of project planning, execution, and control; and design.

Assistant in media informatics is a school-based Ausbildung (vocational training) regulated by state law at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools) and Berufskollegs. It lasts 2-3 years and leads to a state examination.

This Ausbildung is legally regulated only in the specified Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to the following qualification/job titles there: Baden-Württemberg: State-Certified Computer Scientist - Specialization Media; Berlin: State-Certified Information Technology Assistant - Specialization Interactive Animation; Lower Saxony: State-Certified Computer Scientist, Specialization Media Informatics; North Rhine-Westphalia: State-Certified Computer Scientist, Specialization Multimedia; Schleswig-Holstein: State-Certified Information Technology Assistant with a focus on Media Informatics.

The duration of the Ausbildung (vocational training) in Lower Saxony is 2 years.

Improving opportunities with additional qualifications: Aspiring assistants in media informatics can enhance their chances during their Ausbildung (vocational training) by acquiring additional qualifications, such as the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) as a basis for a later Studium (university degree). Finding suitable employment: After their Ausbildung, assistants in media informatics work for database providers, in multimedia and advertising agencies, for publishers, film studios, or television broadcasters. Securing employability: Through adaptive continuing education (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current or bring it up to date. The range of topics extends from software development to network administration. Career advancement: Advanced continuing education (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to pursue further training as a technician in informatics (Techniker/in der Fachrichtung Informatik) with a focus on technical informatics.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Interdisciplinary learning area: German/Communication, English/Communication, Business Administration. Job-related learning area: Setting up operating systems and designing and managing networks, designing, implementing, and publishing internet applications, designing and creating media components, planning and creating interactive systems, designing and implementing complex internet applications, managing and utilizing information systems, designing, implementing, and maintaining software systems. Practical training: During the school-based educational program, a company internship is carried out in suitable businesses. It serves to provide appropriate practical experience for the profession.

3 years (including vocational internship)

Full-time: 2 years. The Ausbildung (vocational training) can also be completed part-time, but currently, no information on the duration is available.

2 or 3 years. 3 years (access with a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife)). 2 years (access with a (Fach-)Hochschulreife).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas, for example: Work techniques, Business administration (Media), Hardware and system fundamentals, Informatics fundamentals, Media design, Media programming, Programming, Web programming.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in professional areas such as using, analyzing, and designing information technology systems; planning and creating simple application programs; analyzing and designing internet applications; setting up, analyzing, and administering networked IT systems; planning, implementing, and testing application software; planning and executing information technology projects. Furthermore, the fundamentals of media technology, computer graphics, and image processing techniques are examined, applied, and evaluated; multimedia products are planned and created. Practical training periods are treated like a subject or learning field and are graded on the certificate. General subjects like economics/politics, German/communication, English, mathematics, sports, religion, or philosophy are also included.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in profile subjects of the educational program such as media technology and media design, software, operating systems/networks, databases, as well as other subjects like economics, mathematics, and English. Company internships are also available. General subjects include German/communication, religious education (optional), sports/health promotion, and politics/social studies. The differentiation area offers the possibility to supplement, expand, and deepen individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) is regulated at the Bundesland (federal state) level in Germany. Specific regulations and examination rules apply in the federal states of Berlin, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. For example, the Vocational College Ordinance (APO-BFS) of July 14, 2009, in Berlin; the Vocational Schools Ordinance (BbS-VO) of June 10, 2009, in Lower Saxony; and the Vocational College Training and Examination Ordinance (APO-BK) of May 26, 1999, in North Rhine-Westphalia are among these regulations.

Generally, either a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or allgemeine Hochschulreife (general university entrance qualification) is required. Further requirements may vary depending on the federal state (Bundesland) and the educational offering.

In Berlin, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) is generally required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In Lower Saxony, a Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) is generally required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Baden-Württemberg, the general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) or a subject-specific university entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training). In exceptional cases, access is also possible with the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification).

In the Bundesland of Schleswig-Holstein, the requirements for this Ausbildung are a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) or the qualification to attend the upper secondary level of Gymnasium (gymnasiale Oberstufe).

In the Bundesland of Nordrhein-Westfalen, for the 3-year Ausbildung, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) or the qualification to attend the upper secondary level of Gymnasium (gymnasiale Oberstufe) is required. For the 2-year Ausbildung, a university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) or the school-based part of the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) is necessary.