Dual Study Programme

HELLA is a cooperation partner of the Unternehmerische Hochschule MCI ("Entrepreneurial University") in Innsbruck/Austria. With HELLA and many other industrial partners, you will be trained as an expert for smart building technologies. Dual means: Alternately studying at the University in Innsbruck and practical working phases in the headquarters of the HELLA Group in Abfaltersbach. All this with year-round payment as an employee! This special form of training prepares graduates for special future tasks at HELLA.

This course is the right choice for anyone who is enthusiastic about the topics of smart building, information technology, comfort in building technology, automation and measurement and control technology, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, sanitary technology, furthermore for building safety, energy efficiency, daylight and artificial lighting. 

• Dual form of study with study and practical phases in each year of study
• Full-year employment relationship with HELLA
• Six semesters up to reach the BSc (Bachelor of Science in Engineering)
• Profound practical training at the Tyrolean group headquarters in Abfaltersbach
• Development prospects for a career in an international company which is active in nine countries.
• Career opportunities in the areas of planning services, research, development and innovation
• Place of the practical work: Abfaltersbach, Tyrol
• Study location: Innsbruck, Tyrol
• Start: Autumn 2024
• For a study place, candidates go through an application process at MCI | The Entrepreneurial University, and at HELLA

Tobias Schneider has started his dual training in the bachelor’s programme of “Smart Building Technologies” in the first year of 2021. After completing his third of a total of six practical phases at the Austrian market leader for sun, light and weather protection systems HELLA, he reports on his experiences so far, which he will continue to expand in theory and practice in the next three semesters, until he completes his bachelor's degree.

What is the dual study programme “Smart Building Technologies” all about and what do you enjoy the most?

“The study programme is basically about the various systems that interact in a modern building. What I enjoy most is the variety – which is the combination of practice and theory – and that these phases are well distributed! After the demanding study phases, I can directly use my knowledge during the professional work phases with HELLA.“

What do you mean by this combination of theory and practice?

“We, as dual students, can apply the content learnt in the study phases at MCI in the practical phase. I have completed the first two practical phases at HELLA in the InnovationLAB team. Robert Weitlaner, the team leader, also accompanies me through all my practical phases, and he is my first contact person during the entire study period. Robert is like a mentor to me, and there are no rigid hierarchies! I have completed my third practical phase at HELLA as part of the Automation team. I was practically the interface between the InnovationLAB and control technology. We worked on a completely new product there, which is just coming onto the market. I was able to work in all areas – from research to test set-up and Proof of Concept, that is, a feasibility study. That was very exciting! I once accompanied a colleague from the control technology department to a commissioning – so practical experience during practical phase. In the course of the three-year study programme, I also get an insight into other departments such as product management, design, and architect service. This way, I can get a complete overview of all areas of building technology!”

Why did you opt for a dual study programme at HELLA??

“I opted for the dual study programme at HELLA because it is “dual”. I was clear that I wanted to remain in the region and I did not want to embark on a full-time study programme after five years of professional experience. The employment with year-round salary is also a very important aspect! In addition to the variety of theory and practice, the topics are very exciting. I have never really dealt with sun protection before, but it is such a versatile and important topic! Above all, I find those numerous research projects in which HELLA is involved, as well as the control and guidance of daylight, very interesting.”