KIA: The study program that shapes careers
Jonas and Fanol give an insight into their KIA success stories at Frequenz Elektro GmbH.
The cooperative degree program with integrated training (KIA) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG)—the dual study program—is having a transformative impact on the lives of students like Jonas Nenke and Fanol Shala. These personal success stories provide insights into the innovative educational program, which is characterized by close collaboration between the university and Frequenz Elektro GmbH.
The Decision to Start at KIA: Jonas Nenke
Jonas Nenke, a motivated student from near Radeberg, is about to take his final examination to become a certified electronics technician specializing in automation technology. His journey began back in 11th grade, when he decided to pursue a degree in engineering. He chose the dual study program at HSZG, drawn to the integrated training and the promising career opportunities. He obtained information about the program through various channels, including an online university information day (HIT), and found comprehensive details about the university’s dual degree programs and partner companies on the university’s dual study website. Ultimately, he chose Frequenz Elektro GmbH, located near his hometown.
Thanks to preparatory courses at the university and intensive support from contacts at the company, Jonas has mastered his initial challenges and is now already in his 3.1st academic semester. He is now in the final stretch of his final examination to become a skilled worker.
Fanol Shala: An International Success Story
Fanol Shala’s path to pursuing a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course was marked by unique challenges. After arriving from Kosovo, he completed an apprenticeship at Frequenz Elektro GmbH in Radeberg. He then wanted to begin his studies, but his high school diploma did not receive recognition in Germany. As a result, he spent another year at the 'Studienkolleg' in Dresden, while continuing to work part-time at Frequenz Elektro GmbH. Upon completing the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college), he received his university entrance qualification. Since he already held a skilled worker certification, he began hisKIApro program in the field of automation and mechatronics in the winter semester of 2018.
Fanol’s story is a testament to the flexibility and support the KIA program offers international students.
Integration into Professional Life and Cultural Adaptation
Both Jonas and Fanol underwent a comprehensive onboarding process at Frequenz Elektro GmbH, including an etiquette course and an introduction to the company culture. The students rotated through all departments of the company, which allowed them to become deeply integrated and gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization. This hands-on experience, combined with financial support, enables students to transition seamlessly into their careers upon earning their degree.
Life and Learning: A Balanced KIA Experience
Despite the demanding balance between their studies and work, Jonas and Fanol emphasize how they enjoy their free time and use it to relax and network. Jonas, who appreciates the recreational opportunities in Zittau, and Fanol, who lives in an international shared apartment and travels to Kosovo during his vacation, demonstrate that the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course also offers room for personal development and social interaction. KIA students at Frequenz Elektro GmbH even receive a housing allowance, and there is a shared-housing dormitory for trainees in Radeberg.
Collaboration and Vision for the Future
The close collaboration between Frequenz Elektro GmbH and the university is a cornerstone of the KIA program. With a target retention rate of 100%, the company demonstrates a strong commitment to employing its KIA graduates long-term. The stories of Jonas and Fanol show how the KIA program offers students a platform to launch and shape their careers, while enabling companies to invest in the future of their skilled workforce needs.
A Call to Action: Shape Your Future with KIA
The stories of Jonas Nenke and Fanol Shala are more than just success stories; they are invitations to anyone willing to actively shape their education and career paths. The KIA program is ready to bring together ambitious prospective students and forward-thinking companies. It offers a solid foundation on which students can develop their skills, build networks, and launch immediately into a promising career.
Companies, in turn, gain access to a new generation of professionals who possess skills in the latest technologies and knowledge of current theoretical expertise.
We invite you to become part of this innovative educational journey and redefine your future with the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course at HSZG. Follow in the footsteps of Jonas and Fanol, and start building your successful future today!
If you’re already a skilled worker, technician, or master craftsman or woman and are ready for the next step in your career, theKIApro study program might be just right for you. "KIA" stands for cooperative study with integrated training and offers a combination of practical work experience at a company and academic education. TheKIApro model is specifically designed for professionals like you: You work as a qualified skilled worker at a company while simultaneously pursuing your studies to expand your qualifications. Essentially, theKIApro model is a path that allows you to advance your career while continuing to gain practical experience and following the same academic curriculum as your KIA colleagues. It’s an excellent way to combine your studies with professional practice and take your skills to the next level.
Frequenz Elektro GmbH, headquartered in Radeberg, is a leading company in the electrical engineering industry that specializes in a wide range of business areas. These include industrial and building technology, automation technology, building automation, communications and security technology, energy technology, process automation, and software development. As part of a larger corporate family—which also includes the subsidiary esmatic, specialists in control panel construction, and the regionally well-known Euronics XXL specialty store—the group employs a total of approximately 180 people, including 24 apprentices and students. Frequenz Elektro GmbH takes pride in its innovations and its commitment to quality, customer service, and sustainability. Through continuous research and development, the company strives to push the boundaries of technology and deliver efficient, future-proof solutions for a wide range of industries and applications.
Contact for prospective KIA students:
Heiko Zimmermann, Training Coordinator, Frequenz Elektro GmbH
Email: heiko.zimmermann@frequenzelektro.de,
Phone: 03528 / 48 04 - 283
1st floor