Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (Softwaretechnik)

Assistants for Software Engineering receive school-based training. Learning locations include vocational schools (Berufsfachschule or Berufskolleg) and internship companies. Vocational schools have classrooms and their own computer labs. Internship companies can be IT departments of industrial, commercial, service companies, media companies, and software houses.

The profession type is a vocational training (Ausbildungsberuf). The training is school-based, regulated by state law, and takes place at vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen and Berufskollegs). The training duration is 2-3 years. Learning locations are vocational schools and internship companies. What does one do in this profession? Assistants for Software Engineering adapt standard software to operational requirements, integrate it into existing IT systems, and develop user-friendly databases. For this, they analyze IT systems and design individual solutions. Furthermore, they participate in the development and optimization of computer-aided and -integrated information systems. They install, configure, and maintain system and application software on computers and in networks using software development tools. Additionally, they support and advise customers on the acquisition of IT systems and conduct training sessions. Where does one work? Assistants for Software Engineering find employment.

Job title: Assistant for Software Engineering (Assistent/in für Softwaretechnik). Profession type: Vocational school profession (Berufsfachschulberuf). Training duration: 2-3 years. Entry requirement: Usually a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife). What does one do in this profession? Assistants for Software Engineering adapt standard software to operational requirements, integrate it into existing IT systems, and develop user-friendly databases. For this, they analyze IT systems and design individual solutions. Furthermore, they participate in the development and optimization of computer-aided and -integrated information systems. They install, configure, and maintain system and application software on computers and in networks using software development tools. Additionally, they support and advise customers on the acquisition of IT systems and conduct training sessions. Where does one work? Assistants for Software Engineering find employment with IT service providers, in software and system houses.

2-3 years

Recommended time values according to KMK agreement: Cross-curricular learning area: 320 hours. Profession-specific learning area: 2,240 hours. Total hours: 2,560 hours. The division into subjects, learning fields, or projects is regulated by the vocational school ordinances (Berufsfachschulverordnungen) of the federal states (Bundesländer). Example for hour distribution: Compulsory lessons. 1. Cross-curricular learning area: German/Communication: 80 hours, Religious Education: 80 hours, Sports/Health Promotion: 80 hours, Politics/Social Studies: 80 hours. Total cross-curricular learning area: 360 hours. 2. Profession-specific learning area: Microprocessor systems: 320 - 480 hours, Software: 720 - 880 hours, Operating systems/Networks: 320 - 400 hours, Databases: 240 - 320 hours, other subjects (e.g., Computer and System Technology, Telecommunication Technology, Software Engineering): at least 120 hours, Mathematics: 80 hours, Economics: 80 hours, English: 80 hours. Company internships: at least 8 weeks. Total profession-specific learning area: up to 2,520 hours.

Training at public schools is generally free for students, but admission and examination fees may apply. Private schools, on the other hand, usually charge course fees. Additional costs may arise, for example, for learning materials, travel to the training location, or external accommodation. Funding opportunities: Under certain conditions, students participating in vocational training (Ausbildung) can receive funding under the Federal Education Assistance Act (BAföG). For more information: BAföG: all information at a glance.

During theoretical and practical lessons, students acquire knowledge in areas such as the fundamentals of technical informatics, system-level programming, object-oriented program structures, computer networks, assembler, data protection, databases, web technologies, application development in ERP systems, implementation of business processes in ERP systems, and an introduction to business administration. General education subjects like German and civics are also taught during the Ausbildung (vocational training). During internships, students, for example, develop software projects in a company. They gain insight into business operations, gather experience in typical professional working methods, and get an overview of the company's structure and processes. Depending on what individual schools offer, additional knowledge that enables students to acquire the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) may also be provided.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In theoretical lessons, instruction takes place in a classroom setting, possibly with project work, and content review at home. Work is done in the school's own computer rooms and in the internship company. Practical work (under guidance) involves developing user programs using various programming languages, customizing standard software, analyzing IT systems, and searching for errors in software applications. The environment typically involves screen work in offices, and changing work locations and conditions during field service. Requirements include technical understanding and meticulousness (e.g., for setting up computer networks or software installations), creativity and perseverance (e.g., when developing new computer-aided and integrated information systems, or during lengthy error searches), willingness to learn (e.g., with developments in the IT sector such as model-based software development), and oral expression skills (e.g., advising and training users).

There are various options for an Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad. For example, in Austria, training opportunities can be found via the AMS Ausbildungskompass (training compass) or WIFI Österreich using search terms like 'Softwaretechnik' or 'Informatik'. In France, training offers can be explored via onisep (French training database) using a free text search with terms like 'assistant/assistante informatique'.

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

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for a successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Computer Science (e.g., to develop user programs), Mathematics (e.g., to calculate prices), and English (e.g., to understand relevant technical literature in English).

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Assistant for Software Engineering: Hardware and Software Development field, Assistant for Informatics (general informatics), Assistant for Informatics (media informatics), Assistant for Informatics (business informatics), Assistant for Informatics (technical informatics), Commercial Assistant/Business Assistant - Business Informatics, State-certified Mathematical-technical Assistant, IT Specialist for Application Development (Fachinformatiker/in Fachrichtung Anwendungsentwicklung), and Mathematical-technical Software Developer. The commonality among these professions is designing, testing, and implementing software.

This vocational training (Ausbildung) was developed in 1992 by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) through the 'Framework Agreement on the Training and Examination of State-Certified Technical Assistants at Vocational Schools.' From 1992 onwards, based on this framework agreement, federal states (Bundesland) (e.g., Lower Saxony) issued their own regulations.

Assistant for Software Technology is a school-based vocational training (Ausbildung) regulated by state law at vocational schools (Berufsfachschule) or vocational colleges (Berufskolleg). It lasts 2-3 years and leads to a state examination.

This vocational training (Ausbildung) is legally regulated only in the specified federal states (Bundesland) and leads to the following qualification titles there: Lower Saxony: State-Certified Computer Scientist, focus on Software Technology; North Rhine-Westphalia: State-Certified Computer Scientist, Software Technology; Schleswig-Holstein: State-Certified Information Technology Assistant with a focus on Software Technology.

2 years

After their vocational training (Ausbildung), assistants for software technology can work for IT service providers, as well as software publishers, data processing services, or system houses. They can keep their expertise up-to-date or bring it to the latest standard through adaptive further training, covering topics from software development to IT application consulting. To advance professionally and reach leadership positions, it is advisable to pursue further training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) as a technician in informatics with a focus on technical informatics. With a higher education entrance qualification, one can also pursue a university degree (Studium), for example, a Bachelor's degree in software engineering. Starting one's own business is also possible, for example, with an IT service or trading company.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Cross-curricular 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; Analyzing and designing object-oriented software systems; Implementing object-oriented software systems; Designing and implementing complex technical/scientific applications; Managing and using information systems; Designing, implementing, and maintaining software systems. Practical Training: During the school-based education, an internship is carried out in suitable companies. It serves to provide professional induction into professional practice.

In the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2 years full-time. Part-time training is also possible, but there is currently no information available regarding its duration.

In the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, the duration of the Ausbildung is 2 or 3 years. It is 3 years for those with a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) and 2 years for those with a (Fach-)Hochschulreife (qualification for university of applied sciences or university).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in vocational areas. These include 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 IT projects, analyzing and applying software engineering methods, developing complex software systems, and planning and executing software projects. General subjects such as economics/politics, German/communication, English, mathematics, sports, religion, or philosophy are also taught. Practical training periods are treated like a subject and graded on the report card.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is acquired in areas such as microprocessor systems, software, operating systems/networks, and databases. Additionally, there may be further subjects like computer and system technology, software engineering, and multimedia production. Mathematics, economics, and English are also included. Company internships are completed during the training. General subjects include German/communication, religious education, sports/health promotion, and politics/social studies. The differentiation area offers the opportunity to supplement, expand, and deepen individual knowledge and skills.

This Ausbildung is regulated by state laws in some Bundesländer (federal states). For example, there are relevant regulations in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. In other states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, there are no specific state-level regulations.

Typically, either a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a Fachhochschulreife (qualification for university of applied sciences) is required. Additional requirements may vary depending on the federal state and the educational program.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Niedersachsen, the prerequisite for this Ausbildung (vocational training) is Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification).

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

In the Bundesland of Nordrhein-Westfalen, for the 3-year training program, a mittlerer Schulabschluss (Fachoberschulreife) or the qualification to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe is required. For the 2-year training program, Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification) or the school-based part of the Fachhochschulreife is necessary.