The first generation of students in the pioneer year are currently gathered in Wolfsburg to demonstrate the viability of the novel curriculum.
The Volkswagen Group has established the SEA:ME degree programme, the first open education course in Europe for software engineering in the automotive and mobility sectors, in collaboration with the “42” coding schools in Wolfsburg and Berlin and partners like Microsoft, Bosch, and the Korean Kookmin University.
“Volkswagen is actively involved in solving the IT skills shortage as a co-initiator of the new automotive study programme and is driving the development of a new, open education ecosystem for the sustainable future of mobility,” said Gunnar Kilian, chief human resources officer at Volkswagen.
The new program’s objectives are to train highly skilled software specialists using cutting-edge peer learning techniques and to create open, long-lasting standards for the mobility transition and system. Volkswagen is thus significantly advancing the cause of free education in the auto and mobility industries. Beginning on July 3, 2023, Wolfsburg will have its first class.
Gunnar Kilian, chief human resources officer at Volkswagen, makes the following statement at the beginning of the first year of the SEA:ME course (Software Engineering in Automotive and Mobility ecosystems) at the 42 Wolfsburg coding school that Volkswagen founded: Volkswagen is actively involved in solving the IT skills shortage as a co-initiator of the new course and is thus driving the development of a new, open education ecosystem for the sustainable future of mobility.
We are developing a cutting-edge course at the Wolfsburg automotive hub that is specifically tailored to the requirements of our industry in collaboration with 42 Wolfsburg and other partners. Because of this, this initiative is unheard of in Europe.
We’re thrilled that Volkswagen, as an important partner and founding member of 42 Wolfsburg, is supporting us with SEA:ME, says Dr. Max Senges, CEO of the 42 offshoot in Wolfsburg and Berlin. We can guarantee that our graduates are best equipped to meet the demands of the automotive industry thanks to our close cooperation with our reliable business partners.
The first generation of students in the pioneer year are currently gathered in Wolfsburg to demonstrate the viability of the novel curriculum.
SEA:ME is the first IT study program in Europe to be specially tailored for the automotive sector. It focuses on IT and automotive technology, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge in both areas in a practical and interdisciplinary environment.
The course’s high level of practical relevance due to industry partnerships with companies such as Volkswagen, Volkswagen’s software subsidiary CARIAD, Microsoft, Bosch and other partners gives students the best preparation for starting their careers in the fields of work in question.
The members of the partner network, including Korea’s Kookmin University, are working closely together on refining the curriculum and continuously developing its content. All materials used in the course are open educational resources (OER) and can be freely used by learners all over the world.
The peer-to-peer education is one of the course’s unique features. Without instructors or trainers, the students work independently on a curriculum of learning projects in agile teams. Reputable professionals from business and science serve as “fellows,” offering advice and ensuring that the projects have a high level of application.
Hauke Stars, a member of the IT Board of Management, is a “distinguished fellow” in the programme and will assist the students: “I’m convinced that businesses need to be active partners in developing the education system. The skills that are required are best known to them. We participate in cutting-edge educational initiatives that support inclusion, equality, and digital education because of this.
The 12-month programme will begin in Wolfsburg on July 3, 2023, and there will be no tuition. Students with a bachelor’s degree, training in a relevant field, or enough professional or other programming experience may apply. The SEA:ME program’s first cohort’s application phase is currently in progress.