The KIA dual study program (cooperativestudy program with integrated training) has established itself as an attractive option for young people with an interest in technology who want to study in a practical and future-oriented manner. A good example of a successful KIA study program is the cooperation with Selectrona GmbH in Dippoldiswalde. Selectrona, an innovative company in the automotive industry, enables students to apply their theoretical knowledge directly in practice. The stories of Robert Mühle and Marcus Rädel, both graduates of the KIA course at Selectrona, illustrate the opportunities and possibilities of this study model.

Marcus Rädel's career began in 2008 as the third KIA student at Selectrona, and since then he has continued to develop within the company. Today, he is head of department and supervises the current KIA students. For Rädel, the proximity of his training location to his parents' house was crucial, as he did not want a second residence during his studies. He appreciates the close interaction between theory and practice:

Selectrona offers its KIA students many benefits, such as affordable accommodation and induction days, which make the start of their studies easier. Rädel particularly emphasizes that KIA students enjoy a high status in the company and not only solve tasks theoretically, but also implement them.

Robert Mühle began his KIA studies in mechatronics and automation technology at Selectrona in 2016 and has already achieved success. He became aware of the KIA course through the Aktionstag Ausbildung trade fair (organized by the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and quickly decided to join Selectrona as it is located in his home region of Dresden. During his studies, he impressed the jury with his thesis "Analysis and optimization of the energy efficiency of injection moulding automation", which won him the prestigious Highvolt Prize in the field of electrical engineering. Close collaboration with professors and extensive support from Selectrona were decisive factors in this.

After successfully completing his studies, Robert Mühle was given responsibility for a major solar project to cover Selectrona's roofs at the Reinholdshain site. This project involved the installation of solar panels with a total output of 1.63 megawatts, which covers 20 % of Selectrona's annual energy requirements. This task allowed him to fully develop his skills and ideas and to grow in a significant area. Mühle was able to prove himself in this project and impressively demonstrated the development opportunities offered by a KIA degree at Selectrona.

Selectrona oversees the entire process, from the CAD model inquiry and the creation of operating resources to the production and manufacture of highly complex metal-plastic hybrid components. The components are further processed in the automotive industry, for example for fan motors, cruise controls or water pumps. The company produces almost 100 million parts annually. This broad positioning enables KIA students to develop further in a wide range of areas. Marcus Rädel emphasizes that Selectrona offers students a lot of freedom and opportunities to develop their creative and engineering skills.

Selectrona attaches great importance to the further development of its employees and has a hiring rate of 100% for KIA graduates. The application process is simple and straightforward. The company would also like to employ more international students in the future. Selectrona currently has around 380 employees at all three locations, including 20 trainees, and plans to increase this number to between 30 and 40.

The KIA study program at Selectrona in Dippoldiswalde offers young people an ideal opportunity to study in a practical and future-oriented way. The success stories of Marcus Rädel and Robert Mühle show the opportunities and development potential offered by this study model. With attractive conditions, a high takeover rate and a wide range of development opportunities, Selectrona is an ideal partner for a successful KIA degree.