From the 2020/2021 winter semester, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, will be offering an additional dual-track variant of the Administrative Informatics – E-Government degree programme for the first time. Minister Prof. Dr Andreas Pinkwart and University President Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen have now signed an agreement to this effect.
Studying whilst undertaking a vocational training programme with the State of North Rhine-Westphalia – this will be possible from the 2020/2021 winter semester onwards thanks to an additional dual-track option on the Administrative IT – E-Government degree programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The new programme is aimed at IT pioneers who wish to rise to the challenges of the digital future. Through this initiative, the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia aims to attract IT specialists and better retain them. According to Minister Prof. Dr Andreas Pinkwart, the best way to achieve this is through a dedicated degree programme.
Digitalisation is transforming society and the world of work. Public administration must also adapt to this. For this reason, the Ministry and the university have jointly developed the dual degree programme. Candidates undertake the practical part of their civil service training within the state authorities. Theory and fundamental knowledge are taught at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
Prof. Dr Andreas Pinkwart, Minister for Economic Affairs and Digitalisation, said: “For a functioning digital public administration, we need qualified IT specialists. That is why I am delighted about the partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. As a young and innovative university with excellent facilities, it offers the ideal conditions for training our administrative IT specialists.” And University President Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen emphasises: “As a university of applied sciences, it is important for us to train young people in a practical and forward-looking way. We therefore particularly value the partnership with the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
The dual study programme comprises eight semesters, including the work placements, i.e. four years. The future civil servants receive a monthly stipend of around 1,350 euros throughout their studies. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded the academic degree ‘Bachelor of Science’ and, at the same time, qualify for a career in career group 2 of the technical administrative IT service in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The career prospects are excellent: provided they perform well, in addition to being appointed as permanent civil servants, they can expect continuous development with increasing responsibility and a rising salary within their career group.
