Field report from Andreas R.
Hallo, ich bin Andreas Relard und absolviere zurzeit mein Duales Studium bei ELHA-MASCHINENBAU Liemke GmbH & Co. KG. Meine Zeit bei ELHA hat mit einem Praktikum während des Abiturs begonnen. Nach dem Zivildienst bekam ich dann die Zusage von ELHA und konnte das Duale Studium mit vielen praktischen Erfahrungen in der BANG-Ausbildungswerkstatt beginnen. Nach der Einschreibung an der Universität Paderborn hieß es dann fleißig zu den Vorlesungen gehen und lernen. Die Zeit im Semester hat sich nicht von den anderen Studenten unterschieden. Der Unterschied bestand lediglich in den Semesterferien, in denen ich die Praxisphasen absolvierte. In diesen Phasen durchlief ich die verschiedensten Abteilungen wie Montage, Konstruktion, Arbeitsvorbereitung oder Technischer Kundendienst. Leider werden an der Universität die Klausuren über die gesamten Semesterferien verteilt geschrieben, was viel lernen nach der Arbeit bedeutet. Nach den ersten 4 Semestern wurde ich wie geplant 1 Jahr lang von der Universität beurlaubt um die praktische Prüfung zum Industriemechaniker zu absolvieren. Die Vorbereitung fand wieder in der Ausbildungswerkstatt von BANG statt, was eine sehr gute Betreuung bedeutete.
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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