Field report from Andreas R.
Hello, I'm Andreas Relard and I'm currently completing my dual study programme at ELHA-MASCHINENBAU Liemke KG. My time at ELHA started with an internship during my A-levels. After completing my civilian service, I was accepted by ELHA and was able to start the dual study programme with lots of practical experience in the BANG training workshop. After enrolling at the University of Paderborn, I had to go to lectures and study hard. The time spent in the semester was no different from that of other students. The only difference was the semester break, during which I completed the practical phases. During these phases, I worked in various departments such as assembly, design, work preparation and technical customer service. Unfortunately, the exams at the university are spread over the entire semester break, which means a lot of studying after work. After the first four semesters, I was granted a one-year leave of absence from the university as planned in order to take the practical examination to become an industrial mechanic. The preparation again took place in the BANG training workshop, which meant very good support.
After passing the exam, there was a period of 3 months until the university started the next semester again. I was able to use this interim period for a stay abroad with a cooperation partner of ELHA in the USA. I worked in Troy, Michigan, in the assembly department of a company that also manufactures machine tools. I learnt a lot during this time and improved my English a lot. After this practical year, I went back to Paderborn University to complete the last 2 semesters of my Bachelor's degree. I wrote my Bachelor's thesis at ELHA in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute on a joint topic.
As it became apparent during this time that project management would need to be strengthened for two years in the manufacturing systems division, I was given the opportunity to gain professional experience directly after completing my bachelor's degree. During this time, I worked as a project assistant to an experienced, long-standing employee of ELHA and followed the development, construction and commissioning of a new production line at a large washing machine manufacturer. During this time, I was able to learn a lot and gain experience that was valuable for my further studies.
Together with ELHA, I decided to do my Master's in Mechanical Engineering at a different university. I went to Leibniz Universität Hannover for this. I'm now in the first semester of my Master's programme here and am following the same structure as the Bachelor's programme. During the semester, I attend the lectures at Leibniz Universität Hannover as normal and during the semester break I complete the practical phases at ELHA. I am always in close contact with the programme content or the next practical assignment.
All in all, I have had very good experiences with this combination of theory at a university and practice at ELHA. I was able to apply what I had learnt directly or see where practice differs from theory. Of course, it is exhausting at times and you have to be proactive. But there is always an open ear for requests and suggestions, so that the entire course of study and the practical phases can be optimally tailored to you. ELHA is the ideal partner for this, as it is a medium-sized family business with a good working atmosphere.
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