"Power engineering" successfully completed

On March 5, 2016, the big day finally arrived —after seven semesters of study, the students in the third graduating class of the distance learning Bachelor’s program in power engineering at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences received their diplomas and Bachelor's degree certificates. For the ceremonial presentation of the certificates, our graduates, their families, and staff from the university, the Dresden Chamber of Crafts (HWK), the Dresden Electrical Education and Technology Center (EBZ), and freelance lecturers and instructors from the program at the Building of Saxon Electrical Trades in Dresden. The Master of the Dresden Electricians’ Guild also presented the journeyman’s certificates and awarded the title of “Best Journeyman of the Class of 2016.” The “graduation ceremony” for our graduates—to use the terminology of the trades—was presided over by the Rector of our university, His Magnificence Prof. Albrecht; the Managing Director of the Dresden Chamber of Crafts (HWK), Dr. Brzezinski; and the Managing Director of the EBZ, Mr. Franke.

The part-time Bachelor’s degree program in power engineering is offered by the university in collaboration with the Dresden Chamber of Crafts Economic Academy GmbH (HWK) and the Dresden Electrical Education and Technology Center (EBZ). It lasts seven semesters and is subject to specific admission requirements. The on-campus sessions are primarily held at the Dresden campus.

The participants began their studies in April 2012, earned a total of 180 ECTS credits, and successfully completed the program with the defense of their Bachelor thesis. After all, they had to balance this demanding part-time degree program with their own professional occupation and, in many cases, additional family responsibilities. The graduates benefited from extensive practical experience and, in many cases, several years of professional occupation in the field of electrical engineering—primarily as master craftsmen or technicians. The valedictorian was Mr. Andre Claus, with a grade point average of 1.5. In an engineering program, such a final grade is highly commendable.

Graduating with an engineering degree opens up new career prospects. In light of demographic change, the university sees the training of professionals in their professional occupations as a way to meet the growing demand for skilled engineers.