Full of energy into the future

If you’re passionate about energy technology, enjoy hands-on work, and are looking for a degree program with a promising future, Netz Leipzig GmbH is the ideal partner for you. The company—a wholly owned subsidiary of Leipziger Stadtwerke—has for years successfully relied on the Cooperative Engineering Education Programme (KIA) at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for years. Whether in the power plant division or in grid planning, KIA students are an important part of the team here—from day one.

“We’re sticking with the Diplom!”

Team Leader Janko Möbius, responsible for initial training at the Stadtwerke Leipzig Group, sums it up: “Since most students go on to earn a master’s degree after their Bachelor’s anyway, we offer the Diplom degree right away—and we’re sticking with it.”

Each year, at least four students begin their KIA (sandwich-style) degree course through Netz Leipzig—two in the degree programme energy and environmental engineering and two in electrical power systems. Everyone who successfully completes their skilled-worker training and has proven themselves is hired— on a permanent basis. “That goes without saying for us, ” Möbius emphasizes.

He knows exactly what matters when it comes to applications: good academic achievement, especially in math and physics, independence, organizational skills, and a passion for technology. “They have to be passionate about it, ” he says. That’s because, at the time of hiring, it’s often not yet clear in which area the student will eventually be assigned—whether in the power plant division at Stadtwerke or at Netz Leipzig in grid planning. Openness and the ability to work well in a team are therefore crucial.

Between the Construction Site and the Lecture Hall

Current students at Netz Leipzig include Julian Gemerek, Linus Lüpfert, Julien Hahn, and Ronny Nguyen. All four are completing their training as mechatronics technicians while pursuing a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course in energy and environmental engineering or electrical power systems.

How did they learn about the KIA model? Through trade shows like vocatium or STUZUBI —and through the website of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. What particularly convinced them was that the KIA program culminates in a diploma and thus offers excellent career prospects.

Julien fondly recalls his first weeks in Zittau: He attended the university’s open house and took part in the preparatory courses to ensure he was fully prepared. At the company, too, everyone started with an orientation week and team-building activities, which made the transition much easier.

Alternating between theory and practice—with real-world projects

At Netz Leipzig, no two days are alike. Even during their training, students take on their own projects, visit construction sites, and coordinate with external companies. “That’s exactly why vocational training is so important—it’s the foundation, ” says Möbius.

The alternation between theory and practice provides variety and balance. “The mental break you get when you come back to the company from university really does you good,” says Julian. And there’s plenty of time for leisure, too: road cycling, university sports, or simply a coffee at Café X —the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course leaves enough room for both.

Goodly connected, well-supported

Students appreciate not only the family-like atmosphere at the university but also the close support they receive at the company. “You’re challenged, but you’re also encouraged, ” says Linus. Those who wish to can even include a semester abroad —like Pauline, who wrote her practicum thesis in Austria.

Möbius sums it up clearly: “The combination of theory, hands-on skills, and project work is what makes our KIA students so valuable. They bring fresh ideas, dedication, and in-depth knowledge—that’s exactly the mix we need in the energy industry.”