The Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI) is a recognized training company that currently trains office management clerks (Kaufleute für Büromanagement).
About the Apprenticeship
During their three years of training at the HBI, our trainees get to know all the important work processes in a leading German research company. They are part of our team from day one and are introduced to their tasks according to their year of training. Our competent training supervisors support them with their many years of experience and technical expertise. After completing their training, the trainees have acquired solid theoretical and practical knowledge for their entry into the professional world
As part of the three-year dual vocational training program, trainees spend three days a week at our institute and the remaining two days a week at vocational school.
About the Institute
The HBI investigates media change and the associated structural changes in public communication. It combines basic research and research on knowledge transfer from a cross-media, interdisciplinary and independent scientific perspective and thus creates problem-relevant knowledge for politics, business and civil society. The Institute is characterized by a unique and fruitful combination of social science communication science and legal regulatory research.
Vocational Training as Office Managers
In the three-year dual vocational training program, trainees learn about work processes at the administrative level in the science-supporting area of our institute. They work in the areas of administration, human resources, secretarial services, financial accounting and IT.
To further deepen their understanding of the internal structures of a research organization, the trainees also spend some time working alongside a researcher. The trainees spend two days a week at the vocational school BS 07 Bergedorf or at the vocational school City Nord BS28. The responsible supervisor and trainer at the institute is Lina Sophie Glöckner.
There are four optional qualifications (focal points of the training) available, two of which are selected by the trainees at the beginning of the training:
- Assistance and secretarial services
- Controlling and accounting
- Human resources management
- Purchasing and logistics
Virtual Open Day
Once a year, we offer an open day where interested applicants and their parents can ask questions about training at HBI. During the current pandemic situation, we will offer this day in the form of a virtual Q&A session. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lina Sophie Glöckner by email. Possible dates will be announced as soon as enough participants have registered.
Experience Reports (in German)
Martin Dirks was an office management trainee at HBI from February 2019 to January 2022. He reports on his training period here (PDF).
Lyle Detmering completed her apprenticeship as an office management assistant at the HBI on August 1, 2021 and successfully graduated. Since then, she has been working in Office Management at the institute. You can read her experience report here (PDF).
Svenja Gauss has been an office management trainee at the HBI since August 1, 2022. Since then, she has already gotten to know many areas of the entire institute, including science and science communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What requirements must an apprentice have for an apprenticeship at the HBI? High school diploma or technical college/secondary school certificate, very good to good grades in German, English and mathematics, PC skills (standard programs such as MS Office package, use of PC/laptop), high self-motivation, flexibility, willingness to learn and ability to work in a team.
- How long does the apprenticeship last? 3 years with a final examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The training period can be shortened by arrangement.
- How are trainees paid? Above-average training allowance in accordance with TVA-L BBiG
- How many days of vacation do trainees get per year? 30 days of vacation per year. Vacation should mainly be taken during the vocational school vacation period.
- How long will I be taken on? Guaranteed employment for one year after the end of the training period, provided a position is available.
- What opportunities are there for applicants with disabilities? We believe in equal opportunities. We therefore encourage all interested young people to apply equally. We offer a family-friendly environment. Severely disabled people are given preference if equally qualified.
- Is home office possible? Since the pandemic, many scientists and administrative staff have been working mainly from home. The HBI provides a laptop for working from home. Meetings in larger groups currently take place exclusively online. Many administrative processes within the administration are currently being digitized.
- Where is the vocational school? The vocational schools are located either in Bergedorf or in City Nord. By arrangement, the vocational school can be chosen by the trainee before the start of training.
- What are my working hours? Flexible working hours for full-time training (39 hours/week). Daily 7.8 hours with an additional statutory break of 30 minutes.