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Dual study program at voestalpine Signaling Sainerholz

Dual study program at voestalpine Signaling Sainerholz

Practical training and studies at the same time? This is possible at the Railway Systems location in Sainerholz. With a dual study program, young talents start their professional life with two degrees at the same time.

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The voestalpine employee Mehmet is smiling while stepping out of a white company car with the logo “Railway Systems by voestalpine” in front of a modern office building.
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Dual study is an exciting opportunity for young people who would like to complete both a practical apprenticeship and a degree. This training path is also open to future specialists at the Railway Systems location in Sainerholz, our competence center for drive, turnout locking, end position monitoring systems and signaling technology equipment. What is the dual study program and how does it work? We spoke to Sarah, contact person for the dual study program at the Railway Systems location in Sainerholz, and dual Business Administration student Mehmet.

Sarah, what requirements do you have to meet to be able to start a dual study program?
In principle, the dual study program is open to people who have either completed a university entrance qualification or suitable further training. In addition to school qualifications, it is important to find a suitable training company, as the practical components of the dual study program are of great importance. If you want to start a dual study program, you should not only meet the formal admission requirements, but also have certain personal qualities. Discipline is one of the most important requirements, as you often have to split your time between studying and working in a dual study program. Good time management is also essential, as everyday life is tightly scheduled. Added to this is the willpower to master the sometimes stressful phases such as exam periods. While a purely school-based apprenticeship focuses vocational school and practical work, the dual study program combines practical work experience with an academic education at a university. It therefore offers a good alternative for those who not only want to learn a skilled trade, but also gain further academic qualifications.
Porträt von voestalpine Mitarbeiterin Sarah mit Brille und blondem Haar vor einem hellen Hintergrund.

We take care of the organization of the dual study program so that students can concentrate fully on their training.

Sarah
contact person for the dual study program at the Railway Systems location in Sainerholz
And how does the course work?
A dual study program usually lasts six semesters, which corresponds to three and a half years. During this time, students not only complete a university degree, but also vocational training, which lasts two and a half to three years. This means that after completing the dual study programme, the future specialists have obtained both an academic degree and a recognized apprenticeship – a major advantage on the job market. The exact structure of the dual study program varies from department to department. There are collaborations with local universities.
Mehmet, what does dual study mean to you?
I find the combination of theory and practice particularly valuable. The combination of studies and training challenges me in many ways but has also shown me how important discipline and good time management are. I have significantly improved these skills over time, and they help me to successfully complete my tasks both in the company and at university every day.
A young voestalpine employee Mehmet checks packaged deliveries in the outdoor area of a voestalpine site.
Sarah, how can we imagine the everyday life of dual students?
Everyday life is well structured, but also demanding. In a typical weekly schedule, students spend about one day a week at the company, four days at the university and one day at vocational school. During the semester break, the focus shifts more towards professional practice: two days at vocational school and three days at the company. This close integration of theory and practice ensures that the learning content can be applied directly in practice – and vice versa.
Mehmet, do you also feel that the dual study program has influenced your personal development?
Yes, in addition to the professional successes, the dual study program has also helped me personally. It has not only allowed me to grow academically, but also personally. It’s not always easy to find the balance between theory and practice, but it’s precisely this challenge that makes it so worthwhile for me. With every success I achieve, I become more motivated to continue on my path and pursue my goals.
Sarah, do you think such a demanding course is worthwhile?
The dual study program can indeed be stressful, especially during the examination phase, as you have to prepare for exams as well as the practical tasks. Nevertheless, this stress is worth it, as the dual study program offers an excellent combination of work and study. In addition, the company stands behind the students, which means that they also receive support in difficult phases. Due to the close cooperation with the company, there is often also the chance of being taken on directly after graduation. The dual study program is therefore an ideal solution for anyone who wants to combine an academic education with practical work experience. Despite the demands and the higher level of stress, it offers great long-term benefits and excellent prospects for starting a career.
Mehmet, what are you particularly proud of after your first year at the Railway Systems location in Sainerholz?
I am proud of the successes I have achieved in the company and in my studies. I started my studies successfully and passed eight modules in the first semester. The fact that I completed the economics course with a grade of 1.3 also makes me proud. I also dealt intensively with socially relevant and meaningful topics in economics.
Mehmet, what do you enjoy most about your work and what do you still want from your employer?
What I appreciate most about the company is the appreciative working atmosphere and the diverse learning opportunities. I am here because I want to work in a team that not only includes me, but also supports me in achieving my professional goals.
The voestalpine employee Mehmet gives a presentation on company structure to a small team in a modern meeting room.
Sarah, how can we imagine the everyday life of dual students?

Everyday life is well structured, but also demanding. In a typical weekly schedule, students spend about one day a week at the company, four days at the university and one day at vocational school. During the semester break, the focus shifts more towards professional practice: two days at vocational school and three days at the company. This close integration of theory and practice ensures that the learning content can be applied directly in practice – and vice versa.

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Die voestalpine ist ein weltweit führender Stahl- und Technologiekonzern mit kombinierter Werkstoff- und Verarbeitungskompetenz. Die global tätige Unternehmensgruppe verfügt über rund 500 Konzerngesellschaften und -standorte in mehr als 50 Ländern auf allen fünf Kontinenten. Sie notiert seit 1995 an der Wiener Börse. Mit ihren Premium-Produkt- und Systemlösungen zählt sie zu den führenden Partnern der Automobil- und Hausgeräteindustrie sowie der Luftfahrt- und Öl- & Gasindustrie und ist darüber hinaus Weltmarktführer bei Bahninfrastruktursystemen, bei Werkzeugstahl und Spezialprofilen. Die voestalpine bekennt sich zu den globalen Klimazielen und verfolgt mit greentec steel einen klaren Plan zur Dekarbonisierung der Stahlproduktion.