frequently asked questions about the dual study programme in civil engineering: façade technology

Based in Gersthofen near Augsburg, seele GmbH creates innovative façade and building envelope solutions worldwide using steel, glass, aluminium and membranes. Across a production area of around 76,000 sqm, the company plans, manufactures and implements complex construction projects for renowned architects and companies. In doing so, the company relies on modern technologies, high quality standards and innovative solutions in façade construction.

During your dual degree programme, you’ll alternate approximately every three months between theory-based modules at DHBW Mosbach and practical placements at seele in Gersthofen. Right from the start, you’ll play an active role in project teams and take on your own responsibilities. You’ll also gain an insight into areas such as research and development, structural engineering, the test centre and cost estimation. You’ll also learn about the manufacture and installation of façade structures during your studies.

On the dual study programme in Civil Engineering: Façade Technology, you will focus on the technical development and implementation of complex façade projects. For example, you will work on the planning and design of façade elements, assist with calculations and testing procedures, and develop solutions to structural engineering challenges.

In the process, you’ll gain an understanding of various aspects of technical project management and be able to apply your theoretical knowledge directly in practice. This will give you a comprehensive insight into the development and implementation of innovative façade structures.

During your dual study programme at seele in Gersthofen, you’ll be actively involved in a project team right from the start and take on your own responsibilities in the technical planning of façade projects.

Your typical tasks include, for example, creating and interpreting construction drawings, working with 2D and 3D design software, and developing solutions for complex structural engineering challenges. You’ll also assist with the planning, calculation and execution of test procedures and gain insights into areas such as research and development, structural engineering, the test centre and cost estimation.

Furthermore, you will familiarise yourself with the various materials and construction methods and gain insights into the installation of façade structures at the test site or on building sites.

In this way, you will gradually develop the technical and engineering expertise you need to plan and implement challenging façade projects within an internationally active company.

The dual degree programme leading to a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Civil Engineering: Façade Technology (m/f/d) usually lasts 3 years and alternates between theoretical phases at DHBW Mosbach and practical phases at seele in Gersthofen.

For the dual study programme, you should:

• hold a general university entrance qualification or a technical college entrance qualification, or a qualification required for admission to the DHBW Mosbach,
• have an interest in mathematics, physics and technical concepts,
• have good spatial awareness,
• think analytically and be solution-oriented,
• work meticulously and in a structured manner,
• and enjoy working in a team and show initiative.

No, no further basic knowledge is required. The programme officially starts in October, but you’ll be joining seele as early as September. During this first month, you’ll receive basic training to acquire foundational knowledge in various areas. This includes, for example, materials science and how to read a technical drawing correctly. You’ll also be familiarised with our software. This way, you’ll be perfectly prepared when the programme begins.

The dual study programme combines theory and practice. During the theoretical phases at DHBW Mosbach, you will learn the fundamentals of engineering and explore topics such as technical and structural engineering.

During the practical phases at seele, you can apply your theoretical knowledge directly. You’ll play an active role in real-world projects, get to know different departments and gain insights into the planning, design, manufacture and installation of sophisticated façade structures.

By alternating regularly between theory and practice, you’ll gain valuable professional experience whilst still studying and can put what you’ve learnt directly into practice.

On your first day of the dual study programme at seele in Gersthofen, near Augsburg, you’ll meet the other apprentices, dual students and your trainers. You’ll find out more about the company and gain an initial insight into the site and the production facilities during guided tours.

You’ll also meet your mentor (m/f/d), who will support you. This will help you settle in more quickly and get off to a good start in your dual study programme.

The theoretical phases take place at DHBW Mosbach. There, you will study the fundamental engineering principles of civil engineering and deepen your knowledge in various technical and construction-related fields.

Among other things, you’ll learn the fundamentals of structural analysis, design, mathematics, building physics and materials science, and you’ll explore the various requirements for modern façade structures.

For your theory phase at the DHBW, it’s a good idea to rent a room in a student hall of residence. Alternatively, you can of course look into shared flats or private flats – the choice is yours.

All students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation for the theoretical phases. It’s best to check the DHBW Mosbach website, where you’ll also find information on accommodation and specific offers.

Yes, seele covers the full cost of your tuition fees for your dual study programme.

In the dual study programme you are entitled to 20 days of annual leave per year. Please note that lecture-free periods are not automatically considered annual leave. Annual leave must be planned and approved in coordination with the company and the university schedule.

Yes, the dual study programme at seele is remunerated from the very start. You’ll also receive an annual bonus, discounts at many online shops, a contribution towards capital-forming benefits, and a discount in our staff canteen.

Application documents

You can apply directly online for a dual study programme. On our trainee page, you will find the relevant job posting for your chosen programme if vacancies are still available. Simply open the job advertisement and click “Apply now” at the end of the page to access the application form. Applications for an internship can be submitted as a speculative application.

Confirmation

Once you have uploaded your application documents (cover letter, CV, your three most recent school reports and, if applicable, certificates from previous internships) via our online application portal and submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email. This lets you know that we have successfully received your documents.

Job interview

Our HR team will then carefully review your application. If everything is a good fit, we will invite you to an interview so that we can get to know each other better. The interview is usually conducted by your future trainer or dual study programme supervisor. The interview is not only an opportunity for us to learn more about you – it is also your chance to ask any questions you may have about the programme, your future role or seele as a company.

Contract

If, after the interview, you can see yourself starting your dual study programme with us and we believe you would be a great addition to our team, we will arrange a further meeting to sign your contract. If you are under 18, your parents or legal guardians are also welcome to attend. seele also takes care of securing your place at the university (DHBW).

Your dual study programme will then begin on 1 September, and we look forward to welcoming you to the seele team.

Other study programmes at seele GmbH in Gersthofen near Augsburg are:

• Industrial Engineering 
• Computer Science 
• Business Information Systems

If you have any questions about the dual study programme at seele in Gersthofen, near Augsburg, you can contact us directly. We will be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have about the application process, the degree programmes or the internship.