Apprenticeship as an IT specialist for system integration

»I love the mix of technology, craftsmanship and customer contact«, Jannik, trainee IT specialist for system integration at Zollsoft.

Jannik is 22 years old and is currently completing an apprenticeship as an IT specialist for system integration at Zollsoft. He originally began studying to become a teacher, specialising in computer science and English, but after dropping out, he made a conscious decision to start an apprenticeship – a decision that, in hindsight, turned out to be exactly the right one.

How did you find out about Zollsoft as a training company?

I discovered the position on an online platform, but unfortunately I can’t remember exactly which one it was. I applied, was invited straight away and everything worked out well from the start. It was actually only my second application. I’m very happy that it went so smoothly, especially when you hear how many other trainees have difficulty finding a suitable training position.

In your opinion, what prerequisites should one have for this training programme?

In my opinion, technical interest and curiosity are the most important things. Good grades or special prior knowledge are not essential, as long as you are willing to familiarise yourself with new topics independently. In IT, you have to keep learning anyway, and much of the content is ideal for self-taught learning.

Are there any school subjects that are particularly helpful for the training?

If you studied computer science at school, that’s definitely an advantage, but unfortunately that’s not a given everywhere. Otherwise, a certain analytical mindset helps, so perhaps maths too. Although I was never particularly strong at maths and still managed it.

How is the training programme at Zollsoft structured?

It is a traditional dual training programme lasting three years. Every six weeks or so, trainees attend vocational school for two weeks, which amounts to a total of around 13 school weeks per year. The rest of the time is spent at the company. The content is varied – from IT security and networks to a programming course. Subjects such as ethics, which at first glance may not seem to have much to do with the training programme, are also part of the curriculum.

What does your typical working day look like?

I start the morning with a coffee and a look at our task list. There we can see what needs to be done – this can range from preparing customer hardware to returning and refurbishing loan equipment to processing support tickets. It’s very varied and we can organise our tasks largely independently.

What role does your team play in the company?

Our team plays a central role, as we work directly with customers. We install our Tomedo practice software, configure it according to the customer’s requirements and train doctors and their staff. We also provide follow-up support. This direct influence on work processes in medical practices makes our work very meaningful.

What were the best moments of your training?

Definitely the customer visits. Business trips are fun, you get to see a lot of the country, and it’s nice to see the direct impact of your own work. It motivates me to see how a practice can work much more efficiently after installation.

What career prospects do you have after completing your training as an IT specialist for system integration?

IT specialists are in demand and the opportunities are diverse – precisely because you can teach yourself a lot. It is also easy to switch to other IT areas. After my training, I will move to the training and optimisation team, where I will conduct training courses and support existing customers in using the software even more efficiently.

What are the chances of being hired at Zollsoft?

Very good. Zollsoft provides training specifically tailored to its own needs. I even have my hiring interview today. I’m not worried about it.

What do you like about living and working in Jena?

I originally moved to Jena to study, and even though that didn’t work out, I stayed. Jena is a young, lively city with a great atmosphere. It’s a great place to live and work, especially for young people.

Is there a particular skill or trick that you learned during your training that you can now use in everyday life?

Before the training, I had no experience with macOS, but now I can use it without any problems. But more importantly, my general technical understanding has grown. This also helps me in my private life when dealing with technology.

What are your top three things about training at Zollsoft?

Firstly, the great working atmosphere. Secondly, the excellent working conditions and benefits. And thirdly, the freedom to develop myself further. If I am interested in a topic, I can pursue it, and the company actively supports this.

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An apprenticeship as an IT specialist for system integration offers a varied combination of technology, practical application and direct customer contact. If you have an interest in technology, enjoy learning independently and want to work with both hardware and people, this career field is the perfect training opportunity for you.