Interview with Dieter Linse and Andreas Heider 

Thank you very much, Mr. Linse and Mr. Heider, for answering a few questions about the joint degree program from the perspective of the Mobility and Civil Engineering Office. To start, could you tell us a little about yourselves and your responsibilities, particularly with regard to training students?

Dieter Linse: I am the head of the Road Construction Division at the City of Augsburg’s Civil Engineering Office. I oversee the city’s public works yards, which have 60 employees responsible for road construction. They include master craftsmen, engineers, and road builders. I’m also the point person for our dual-track students, who are training to become road builders while simultaneously studying Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg.

Andreas Heider: I’m an engineer and head the City of Augsburg’s Central Maintenance Yard. We’re responsible for road maintenance and various construction projects. I’m also a former dual-track student—that is, a fully trained road builder with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. I completed my degree just under a year ago (in June 2023).

Why did the City of Augsburg’s Office of Mobility and Civil Engineering decide to collaborate with Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg on the combined study program?

Dieter Linse: We weren’t very successful when posting job openings on the open market. We’ve found that things are different when we train young people ourselves or support them through a dual-track degree program. All of our graduates from recent years have stayed with us—or with the city. Through the joint degree program, we have the opportunity to convince our students of the benefits of working for us as an employer. It also helps, by the way, when everyone pulls together—which is the case here. The department leadership, the human resources department, and the various divisions are all on the same page.

I also think it’s great that our dual-track students at THA study and work alongside all the other students. In my opinion, that’s much better than having a separate group consisting “only” of dual-track students.

What advantages does a dual study program offer for your trainees and for the office?

Dieter Linse: Through the apprenticeship, you get to know the agency from the ground up. Plus, you learn early on how to interact with coworkers. Our dual-track students aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty—they’ve even operated machinery themselves at times.
If things don’t work out during their studies, the trainees have a safety net. They have their vocational training, and we can then explore what other options are available.

Andreas Heider: First, there’s the hands-on experience; then, getting to know the organization; and it’s important to note that the dual study program provides financial security. I was able to gain experience early on and then put it to use. Practical experience is also important because my coworkers can see that I understand what the job entails.

Dieter Linse: A site manager who knows, for example, how the weather affects the work—what’s possible and what isn’t in cold or hot weather—is very valuable.

What does a typical day look like during your training program?

Dieter Linse: In the first phase—the vocational training—it’s quite simple: put on your work clothes, join the crew, and head out to the job site. In the second phase—that is, after completing the apprenticeship—planning becomes a bit more challenging. It’s important to us that the dual-track students are assigned to engineering-related tasks, so we take a close look at which projects are suitable.

Andreas Heider: For example, during my studies, I supported smaller projects by doing preliminary work, and in some cases I also helped oversee subprojects. One very specific project, for instance, was the renovation of a street drainage channel. This can become necessary if there’s damage or if new regulations are introduced. In our area, for example, there are drinking water protection zones, where street drainage using infiltration shafts isn’t ideal because of tire abrasion, which would then end up in the water. In such cases, decommissioning measures are required.

Dieter Linse: In general, Augsburg is a city with many very exciting projects for civil engineers. This is especially true when it comes to water management. We have more bridges than Venice! If, for example, scouring needs to be repaired, it requires a lot of planning and expertise on how to lower the water level far enough to carry out the necessary repairs.

Where do you see challenges in the combined degree program?

Dieter Linse: I think it would be great if all students in the construction field were to complete a dual-track degree program. Yes, dual-track students are an investment—both financially and in terms of time—but at the end of the day, the company gains a great deal from it.

Andreas Heider: It’s important to find a balance. On the one hand, students shouldn’t slow down projects; on the other hand, it’s also important not to underchallenge them.

Dieter Linse: As a company, you have to make a concrete commitment and get everyone on board.

On the topic of work-life balance—or balancing training, studies, and personal life—what’s your impression when you think about your employees in the dual study program?

Andreas Heider: From my perspective, it’s very doable. Students in the dual study program are also entitled to vacation time. In my case, there was usually some time between the end of the exam period at the university and when I started work at the civil engineering office. Sure, you invest more time, but you get something in return. In the work-study program, it’s clear from the start where I’ll be working during the semester breaks. Other students, after all, have to keep looking for new jobs.

Dieter Linse: We pay our dual-track students their training stipend throughout the entire program. That makes things much easier for the students to organize. Plus, the practical work we offer is directly related to their studies. That’s very valuable.

In the dual study program, students alternate back and forth between the university and the company. How does the transition work?

Dieter Linse: I don’t notice any impact there.

Andreas Heider: You really only notice it when it’s time to get up in the morning. It might take a day or two, but then you’re back in the swing of things.

Dieter Linse: The employees are always happy when the dual-track students are back. The students bring a breath of fresh air; that’s exciting for all employees and is greatly appreciated.

What prerequisites must prospective students meet, and what requirements do you have for your students?

Dieter Linse: Good physical health is important. The work we do is very hands-on. It’s physical labor—you have to be aware of that and appreciate it. We’re also out in the open, whether it’s cold or hot.

Andreas Heider: In the dual study program, independence is important, and you also need to be a team player—that’s especially crucial for work in the construction sector.

How can someone apply for a dual study program with you?

Dieter Linse: Apprenticeship positions are posted on the City of Augsburg’s website. So if you’re interested, keep an eye on the job portal. https://www.augsburg.de/team-augsburg/ausbildung-studium