Working together for the future of young people in Lusatia

The cooperation between Deutsche Bahn and BTU has a long tradition. It ranges from innovative projects in Materials Research to the development of new drive systems and co-op programs. This should not only continue in the future, but also be intensified. A new cooperation agreement, which was signed on February 5, 2024 in the presence of Brandenburg's Minister President Dr. Dietmar Woidke by BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande, Deutsche Bahn Chief Human Resources Officer Martin Seiler and Ramona Grün, Managing Director Human Resources, sets the course for this.

According to BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande, the future cooperation between the two partners will focus in particular on career and academic prospects for young people. The partners are aware of their responsibility for Lusatia. Minister President Woidke emphasized: "We will show what is possible if everyone is willing."

The focus of the planned cooperation is on the next generation of skilled workers and many points of contact between business practice, studies and research. Prof. Peer Schmidt, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, explained at the signing ceremony that a working group of experts from both sides had drawn up a reliable roadmap with clear objectives.

These include, for example, a targeted expansion of co-op programmes to further support the academic training of skilled workers for the company - a concept that is well received by young people in the region. Conversely, the degree course is supplemented by practical work experience. Internships, specializations, final theses, excursions and also job opportunities for working students are to be expanded. The student life cycle is to be given greater consideration in future for corresponding offers. Children and young people will also be more involved at an early stage in the future through formats such as children's and pupils' universities or pupils' labs.

The groups of international students and alumni, who are very interested in engineering, are particularly important and have potential for recruiting skilled workers in Lusatia. This should be exploited even more in future. Language courses and internships lasting several weeks are intended to promote integration.

Educational biographies that deviate from a regular course of study or are associated with dropping out can be supported more than before through advice and individual career prospects. The cooperation partners also want to work together more closely in future and make better use of opportunities on the job market.