Perfectly prepared for the exam

Alina is a 21-year-old student in her third semester of the energy and environmental engineering degree programme at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG). She chose a dual study programme because, for financial reasons, she did not want to rely on her parents’ support. She found Siemens Energy as a training partner to be good and was accepted immediately after submitting her application.

Sandeep, from Nepal, is 23 years old. He earned his high school diploma in his home country and learned German before submitting an application for admission to a 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) in Germany. He began the 'Studienkolleg' in August 2021. Upon receiving his degree in July 2022, Sandeep will receive his university entrance qualification. He learned more about the dual study program at HSZG from his fellow countrymen who were also attending the 'Studienkolleg' and from his college instructors. Sandeep was very pleased to learn that he would receive an apprenticeship stipend while studying, so he submitted an application to Siemens Energy. He is now in his second semester studying energy and environmental engineering, which includes training to become a mechatronics technician.

Both students find the skilled-trades certification attractive on their résumés. This sets them apart from competitors and is one of the reasons they chose the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course. The combination of theory and practice offers them several advantages. The practical experience makes it easier for them to learn and understand the theory. For Sandeep, financial independence is extremely important. As an international student, he would have to rely on a part-time job if he were pursuing a traditional degree program.

Siemens Energy is an international global player with modern technologies and innovative training methods. Görlitz is not far from the Zittau campus. Both of them really enjoy their apprenticeships at Siemens Energy. The apprenticeship stipend is very good, and the 30 days of vacation are also very attractive. Alina feels very comfortable as a female apprentice at the company.

The onboarding process at Siemens Energy included a trip to Felixsee. Through team-building activities, they were already able to make their first connections with fellow students. At the University, Alina took part in the preparatory courses offered. Sandeep was able to participate in the “Shuttle Start” program offered by Faculty M.

Alina has her own apartment in Zittau, and Sandeep lives in a student dorm. There, he receives a special KIA program and gets to live there for one month free of charge. For the duration of their training, both receive a housing allowance from Siemens Energy. They’re both thrilled with life in the border triangle. Alina enjoys hiking in the Zittau Mountains or relaxing at O-See. Gas prices in Poland are low. Sandeep has many international friends in Zittau.

Alina is brimming with confidence and feels fully prepared for her upcoming exam. Siemens Energy provides its trainees with the best possible support as they prepare for their exams. The trainees set up their own exam stations, practice on them, and prepare their tools and equipment independently. Of course, they’re always supported by their experienced instructors. All of this is part of the company’s special exam preparation weeks. The theoretical aspects of the training are covered at the University, where students gain a solid foundation in their specific field.

Janek Tiefel, an instructor and coordinator at the Siemens Energy training center in Görlitz, is extremely satisfied with the KIA students in his program. On average, Siemens Energy trains six KIA students each year, and the trend is upward. The training program is adapted each year to meet the company’s current requirements and address constantly evolving topics in order to advance research.

Currently, the company offers apprenticeships in the fields of machining, industrial mechanics, and mechatronics. In addition, dual degree programmes are offered in Mechanical Engineering, energy and environmental engineering, and mechatronics. KIA apprentices are determined, performance-oriented, and independent, and they know exactly what they want.

Unfortunately, applications for apprenticeship positions at Siemens Energy are on the decline. Currently, there are still two apprenticeship positions and two places at university available. The application process no longer includes an assessment center; instead, applicants are selected based on an assessment of their competencies. A telephone interview is followed by a detailed in-person interview with the training coordinator, the works council, and the recruiting department.

Janek Tiefel sees only advantages for the company in the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course, as the training is completed more quickly and does not entail any additional effort for the company. The collaboration between KIA students and direct apprentices offers enormous benefits for both sides.

Upon successful completion of the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course, KIA students have the opportunity to submit applications for open positions at all Siemens Energy locations. Since there is no on-the-job training period after the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course, graduates have a good chance of being hired permanently.