The dual KIA (sandwich-style) degree course (CooperativeStudy with Integrated Training) has established itself as an attractive option for young people interested in technology who want to pursue a practical and future-oriented course of study. A good example of a successful KIA degree course is the partnership with Selectrona GmbH in Dippoldiswalde. Selectrona, an innovative company in the automotive industry, enables students to apply their theoretical knowledge directly in a practical setting. The stories of Robert Mühle and Marcus Rädel, both graduates of the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course at Selectrona, illustrate the opportunities and possibilities offered by this study model.

Marcus Rädel’s career began in 2008 as the third KIA student at Selectrona; since then, he has continuously advanced within the company. Today, he is a department head and mentors the current KIA students. For Rädel, the proximity of his training position to his parents’ home was a decisive factor, as he did not want to have a second residence while studying. He appreciates the close integration of theory and practice:

Selectrona offers its KIA students many benefits, such as affordable housing options and orientation days that make it easier to get started in their studies. Rädel particularly emphasizes that KIA students are highly valued within the companies and not only solve problems theoretically but also put their solutions into practice.

Robert Mühle began his KIA (sandwich-style) degree course in mechatronics and automation technology at Selectrona in 2016 and has already achieved success. He first learned about the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course at the “Aktionstag Ausbildung” career fair (organized by the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce), and he quickly decided on Selectrona because it is located in his home region of Dresden. During his studies, he impressed the faculty with his Diplom thesis, “Analysis and Optimization of Energy Efficiency in Injection Molding Automation,” which earned him the prestigious Highvolt Prize in the field of electrical engineering. Close collaboration with professors and extensive support from Selectrona were crucial to this achievement.

After successfully completing his studies, Robert Mühle was put in charge of a major solar project to install solar panels on Selectrona’s roofs at the Reinholdshain site. This project involved the installation of solar panels with a total capacity of 1.63 megawatts, covering 20% of Selectrona’s annual energy needs. This assignment allowed him to fully utilize his skills and ideas and to further develop his expertise in an important field. Mühle was able to prove himself in this project and impressively demonstrated the career development opportunities that a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course at Selectrona offers.

Selectrona oversees the entire process, from the CAD model inquiry and the creation of operating resources to the production and manufacture of highly complex metal-plastic hybrid components. The components are further processed in the automotive industry, for example for fan motors, cruise controls or water pumps. The company produces almost 100 million parts annually. This broad positioning enables KIA students to develop further in a wide range of areas. Marcus Rädel emphasizes that Selectrona offers students a lot of freedom and opportunities to develop their creative and engineering skills.

Selectrona places great emphasis on the professional development of its employees and has a 100% retention rate for KIA graduates. The application process is simple and straightforward. The company also hopes to hire more international students in the future. Selectrona currently has about 380 employees across all three locations, including 20 apprentices, and plans to increase this number to between 30 and 40.

The KIA study program at Selectrona in Dippoldiswalde offers young people an ideal opportunity to study in a practical and future-oriented way. The success stories of Marcus Rädel and Robert Mühle show the opportunities and development potential offered by this study model. With attractive conditions, a high takeover rate and a wide range of development opportunities, Selectrona is an ideal partner for a successful KIA degree.