New recruits joining the city administration of Rheinberg
In the heart of Rheinberg, seven ambitious young individuals have embarked on a new chapter in their lives, starting an apprenticeship in public service administration focusing on administrative management and law.
On September 1, 2025, Moritz Bluth, Laurin Terhaag, Jana van Lipzig, Lena Schelenz, Marie Schuetzendube, Alicia Acuna Pihan, and Laura Adamczak will begin their preparatory service for the higher non-technical administrative service. This apprenticeship offers a structured career path that combines on-the-job training and practical experience with potential academic components.
The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in public service, exposing them to administrative tasks such as personnel matters, payroll, benefits administration, contracts, procurement, budget management, grant applications, and legal assistance in labor law contexts. This direct exposure is crucial for understanding the intricacies of efficient public administration.
Throughout their apprenticeship, the young professionals will develop specialized skills required in administrative management and law, such as legal compliance, workforce development, and managing public programs. This blending of theoretical knowledge with real-world practice sets them on a solid foundation for a diverse career in public service.
Mayor Dietmar Heyde expressed his delight at attracting motivated young people for the new apprenticeships, stating that public service is an important pillar of society. He added that apprenticeships help prepare new generations for roles in public service, expanding skilled labor pools while supporting community needs and improving public sector performance.
The apprentices began their journey with a tour of the city hall, accompanied by Johny Derks, the youth and apprentice representative, and various "old hands" from different departments. They were given a first insight into the diversity of an administration, learning about the various tasks and responsibilities involved.
The works council is committed to ensuring that the apprenticeship with the city of Rheinberg is a positive experience. Aileen Schwickart, the training manager, promised to support the young people and emphasized that an administrative career offers many opportunities for development.
For Laura Adamczak, who has been completing her apprenticeship as a media and information services specialist (FaMI), specializing in libraries, since August 1, 2025, the passion for media and books she discovered while managing the school library during her school days has turned into a career ambition.
The apprenticeship program is supported by public investments in apprenticeship innovation and workforce development programs. Gernot Ertel, head of the personnel department, emphasized the goal of preparing the new colleagues for their future tasks, ensuring a smooth transition into the public service sector.
This apprenticeship not only provides a practical and supported career entry point but also allows apprentices to gain real work experience, develop essential skills, and access opportunities for advancement—all while serving the public and contributing meaningfully to government functions.
- Realizing the importance of education and self-development, the apprentices will undertake online courses to further their knowledge in areas such as legal compliance, workforce development, and managing public programs.
- To bolster their practical experience and ensure a comprehensive education and self-development, the apprentices are encouraged to enroll in online education that complements their on-the-job training in public service administration.
