Deutsche Bahn and IU International University of Applied Sciences are strengthening further academic

Erfurt, 20 April 2021 - IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany's largest university with over 70,000 students, and Deutsche Bahn have today launched their innovative further education concept together. With the DB University Bachelor's programme, new academic pathways are being created for DB specialists with professional experience to enable them to have better long-term perspectives within the Deutsche Bahn Group. The Bachelor's programme, which can be completed on a part-time basis, independent of time and location, is one of the first programmes offered by DB University. The focus of the cooperation is on sustainable and future-oriented human resources development. By using modules designed by DB Training, Learning & Consulting, DB ensures that the theoretical knowledge around its transformation project "Strong Rail" is further developed and integrated into practical problem-solving approaches. Further goals are the development of project and advisory skills, the systematic development of future-oriented competences, the support of motivated employees and the specific further training in professions with a high bottleneck and innovation potential. This means for the employees: a stronger connection to the company, greater motivation and personal development. In this way, DB creates an attractive and innovative further training system and strengthens its brand as an employer.

DB University: Individual development through the expertise of IU and the know-how of DB

Interested students go through an application phase at DB Training, Learning & Consulting, including a selection process, and then study within six semesters in the part-time distance learning model at the IU International University - completely online and with the guarantee of a family-friendly work-life balance. The requirements: The chosen degree programme must match the current job and have a future-oriented direction. The focus is on the innovation-oriented fields of IT & Technology, Business & Management, Construction & Architecture and Marketing & Sales.

 Students complete several theoretical and one practical elective module at DB Training, Learning & Consulting, the DB Group's educational provider. To guarantee the essential practical orientation, they have the choice between five seminars and a practical project.

" With our DB University concept, we are creating a perspective for our skilled employees to acquire an academic degree, which will increase our attractiveness as an employer and hopefully also increase employee loyalty at the same time. Thanks to the practical relevance of the IU International University and the modular, flexible online courses, it can be adapted to any life situation - that is very important to us as a group. But we also see a further advantage in the possibility that educational achievements that participants have already acquired on their training and career path are recognised," explains Katrin Krömer, Head of Human Resources and Management Development at DB.

An overview of the comprehensive benefits for employees

The various modules at DB University offer individual opportunities for further development for students and impress with a number of benefits:

• Further training opportunities for all: DB University plans the optimal approach for each development period in working life with an additional focus on further training for long-serving employees.
• Flexible support options: Various online & blended training courses and degree programmes are available depending on the individual's needs.
• Active support: Experienced learning guides are provided to students to accompany them from application to graduation. 
• Recognition: Previously completed education and training can be recognised and can reduce the tuition fees significantly.

"Thanks to our know-how and years of experience in developing further training courses, we can offer DB a wide range of modules for further training courses. With the DB University Bachelor's programme, we have made a first start and have the possibility to also use shorter, modularly scalable offers such as trainings, nano degrees or diplomas," explains Carolin Hug, COO Corporate at IU International University of Applied Sciences. The cooperation with the logistics and transport expert shows how upskilling can be launched in order to position the company for the future. For a successful completion, participants are supported by the innovative learning methods of IU, for example the learning app of IU International University of Applied Sciences, self-tests, social learning via learning wikis, study coaching and the possibility to take exams online at any time.