Experience report on the dual study programme

Field report from André L.

My name is André Lipsmeier and I work at ELHA-Maschinenbau Liemke KG. During my school education at Gymnasium Nepomucenum Rietberg, I completed a voluntary two-week internship at ELHA, to gain a solid impression of the company.

As I immediately liked the familiar working atmosphere and the varied activities in the different areas, I immediately applied for the dual study programme in mechanical engineering. After completing my A-levels, my studies began with a four-month practical phase in the ELHA training workshop, where I was taught the basic practical activities of an industrial mechanic. During the following four semesters of the mechanical engineering degree programme, I alternated between university teaching during the semester and practical training sequences during the semester break. I personally really enjoyed the practical phases in particular, as I was able to apply the theoretical knowledge from my degree programme in practice. Looking back, this is a great advantage in terms of consolidating and broadening my technical horizons. This is particularly noticeable in the lectures, as it makes it easier to understand and comprehend technical contexts.

In the third year of the programme, I prepared for and passed the IHK final examination. For me personally, this time was a special experience, as I was able to put the knowledge I had learnt to the test. Thanks to the intensive support from the competent trainers at the training workshop, I was extensively prepared for the final examination within a group of trainees. After passing the final examination to become an industrial mechanic specialising in mechanical and plant engineering, I spent time abroad in Detroit. Getting to know other cultures and constantly speaking a foreign language while working abroad was an extremely interesting experience for me.

In the subsequent main study programme of the Bachelor's degree and also in the Master's degree programme, I worked on attractive projects both independently and in teams during the practical phases. This meant that there was a constant link between university theory and practical work experience. I would particularly like to emphasise the interactive relationship between the ELHA students. This shows in particular that working and learning in a team generates special benefits for everyone involved. In relation to the mechanical engineering programme, this means that there is mutual support and encouragement among the students, which benefits the entire team.

To summarise, I would like to say that I really like the combination of training or work experience and university teaching. The personal benefits that I gain from this type of training and further education are very important to me.