On June 18, 2026, representatives from Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, regional and national companies, and the Dresden Chamber of Crafts gathered for the 17th meeting of the KIA advisory board.

The focus was on the current development of the Cooperative Study Program with Integrated Training (KIA), the recruitment of future skilled workers, and the strategic further development of the KIA training network.

Current Developments and Outlook

Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch welcomed the participants and emphasized the particular importance of the KIA model for securing a skilled workforce in the region. During the subsequent discussion, it became clear that demand for KIA students remains high in many companies. Several industry partners reported positive experiences and underscored the model’s great importance for recruiting the next generation of professionals.

A key topic was attracting prospective students. It became clear that personal recommendations and close collaboration between the university and companies play a decisive role. At the same time, new approaches were discussed to further strengthen the_KIAdirekt model and attract additional companies to participate.

There was also great interest in potential additional qualifications for KIA students. Topics discussed included microdegrees as well as supplementary qualifications in areas such as occupational safety, automation technology, and PLC programming. In addition, the supplementary qualification “Engineering Communication” will be introduced in the 2026–27 winter semester. The goal is to prepare students even more specifically—both in their specific field and across disciplines—for the demands of the professional world and to further enhance the appeal of the KIA study model.

The internationalization of the KIA model also played an important role. The university reported on current activities aimed at attracting international prospective students, as well as on the growing importance of English-language degree programs for securing a long-term supply of skilled workers.

During the meeting, Mr. Walter also received his letter of appointment as the new KIA officer for the Housing and Real Estate Management degree programme. Since last year, this degree programme has also been offered as part of_{the KIAdirekt model} . For the upcoming winter semester, two KIA students will begin their studies there for the first time.

Honoring Distinguished Individuals

A special moment of the event was the farewell ceremony for long-serving faculty members specializing in the field. Dr. Wolfgang Menzel, Mr. Paetzold, and Mr. Amhaus were honored for their decades of dedication. Through their commitment, they have played a key role in guiding and shaping the development of the KIA model over many years. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences extends its heartfelt thanks to them for their valuable work.

The KIA student representative, Pauline Rechenberg, was also bid farewell. After many years of advocating for the interests of KIA students, she is now in the thesis phase of her studies. The university extends its heartfelt thanks to her for her support, her ideas, and her active participation in the KIA network, and wishes her every success with her final dissertation and her future career.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the focus is already on a special anniversary: In 2027, the KIA model will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The KIA Advisory Board has once again demonstrated how important close collaboration between the university, companies, and students is for the successful further development of dual and cooperative study programs.