KIA, KIApro or KIA+ - all three study models are successfully practiced at TRUMPF Sachsen SE.
If you want to experience technology up close, study and gain a vocational qualification at the same time, our Cooperative Engineering Apprenticeships (KIA) is just right for you. At TRUMPF Sachsen SE in Neukirch, we met three KIA students who show how diverse the paths into engineering studies can be - and how practice and theory can be perfectly combined.
What all three appreciate is the constant alternation between theory and practice. "It was very challenging in terms of time, especially at the beginning," recalls Markus. "But after two and a half years, having a skilled worker's certificate in your hand is incredibly motivating." In the practical phases, what was learned was immediately applied - and often expanded upon.
As a KIApro student, Marcel was able to get straight into project work. Max praises the freedom to develop his own concepts: In his practical work, he is working on the cost optimization of a plant. Markus' practical work even led to an internal invention disclosure and an inventor bonus - and is now being further developed as part of his Diplom thesis, including a patent application.
In addition to these technical highlights, there were also challenges: For Markus there were long commutes in the first semesters, for Marcel the demanding theoretical subjects such as control engineering and for Max a module that suited him less. However, they all agree that these hurdles shaped and strengthened them.
The three have not only gained technical understanding, but have also developed important personal skills. At the top of the list for Markus is self-organization. Marcel emphasizes: "Solving problems - that's something I'll take with me for life." Max adds: "Teamwork and cooperative problem-solving are crucial, and that's exactly what is encouraged here."
These skills were consolidated early on: During the ComeIn weeks before the start of their studies, they made contacts, found study groups and built a network that still helps them in their studies today. TRUMPF Sachsen SE itself also provides targeted support for team building during the training period.
"Others have done it before me - so why not just try?" says Max. For him, this means taking on challenges and growing with them. Markus and Marcel also advise being open-minded and embracing new things - because that's where the great opportunity of a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course lies.
Despite the tense economic situation, TRUMPF Sachsen SE offered both Markus and Marcel permanent positions immediately after graduation - with a say in the choice of department. "That was important to us, and it was taken into account," emphasizes Markus. Max is currently concentrating on completing his degree in practical work and will write his Diplom thesis next year.
Martin Gruhle, training officer at TRUMPF Saxony, sums up why KIA is so valuable to the company: "KIA students know the practical basics, have sound technical knowledge and fit in with us on a personal level - and that's exactly what we look for when selecting them."
Fancy combining theory and practice in the best possible way? Then it's worth taking a look at our KIA degree courses - perhaps this is where the next success story begins.
Photos: Tine Jurtz
