Hof University of Applied Sciences celebrated the 20th anniversary of the dual study program at the educational institution with a network meeting. Representatives from business, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, vocational schools and the university came together to take stock and look to the future together. The central message: the dual study program is a real success story – for companies, for the region and for the students themselves.
“The close integration of theory and practice, the design of the dual study programme, as we have cultivated it here for two decades, is a unique selling point that opens up real opportunities for young people and at the same time counteracts the shortage of skilled workers,” emphasized University President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann in his welcoming address. He recalled the achievements of Prof. Dr. Franz Boos, who was instrumental in shaping the dual study model at Hof University of Applied Sciences and was the first to initiate close cooperation with the local vocational schools. His work is now being continued by Prof. Dr. Michaela Gebele, who expertly moderated the meeting.
Looking back on a success story
Michael von Hertell, Head of Vocational Training at REHAU Industries SE & Co KG, offered an entertaining and informative look back at the beginnings and development of the dual study program. His presentation began with an AI-generated song about the introduction of the dual study program at the university – and ended with impressive figures: Since 2005, over 1350 IHK contracts have been concluded as part of the dual study program, 243 of them at REHAU alone .
Many of the graduates are now working in the region, which means that the dual study program is a clear win-win situation for everyone involved!”
Michael von Hertell, REHAU Industries SE & Co KG
Bernd Rehorz (former Head of Vocational Training, Bayreuth Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and Martina Schlegel-Wohlrab (Hof Vocational School) were also expressly recognized for their many years of commitment.
New generation, new requirements
What expectations does the so-called Generation Z have of work and training? Prof. Dr. Michael Kozak addressed this question in his keynote speech. His analysis:
Gen Z is digital, well-connected, value-oriented – above all, it wants transparency, meaningfulness and real development prospects. Companies need to adapt to a new approach: Individual, digital and credible.”
Prof. Dr. Michael Kozak, Hof University of Applied Sciences
And further: “It’s not just about finding, but also about long-term retention,” says Kozak.
Practical dialog: Retain early, stay authentic
Three HR experts from the region then discussed how dual recruitment works in practice:
- Melanie Fiedler, HEINZ-GLAS GmbH & Co
- Marion Fischer, KSB SE & Co. KGaA
- Sophie Kant, RAPA Automotive GmbH & Co. KG
All three emphasized: Early contact with potential applicants – ideally while they are still at school, at the beginning of middle school – is crucial. It is equally important to actively involve parents, friends and other multipliers, said moderator Prof. Gebele, as Generation Z attaches great importance to personal advice from their personal environment. “The best way to address them is through authentic insights – for example from young employees who have only recently gone to school themselves,” said Kant. Melanie Fiedler emphasized the need for companies to remain consistent even after the contract has been signed: “You have to remain open and clear and demonstrate credible career development. Stays abroad and good further training programs can of course also help to retain good colleagues. Marion Fischer added: “Ultimately, it’s about community and commitment. You have to build trust and confirm it again and again.”
A strong model with a future
After the World Café and the summary of the results, all participants agreed that the dual study program at Hof University of Applied Sciences has developed into a real model for success over the past 20 years – driven by a spirit of innovation, partnership and regional responsibility. University President Prof. Lehmann appealed to the companies in the region: “Continue to pursue the dual study model! – so that young people can shape their future here locally.”
