The aim of the DYNAMIC project was to develop, implement, and evaluate three practice-integrated dual undergraduate engineering programmes in Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.
At Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (ULBS), Romania, Mechatronics and Robotics bachelor programmes were selected for adaptation in dual form. Continental Automotive Sibiu (CONTI) and Marquardt Schaltsysteme Sibiu (MSS), both companies acting in the automotive industry are the industrial partners providing logistic support and hosting the practical activities of the students enrolled in the dual-study programme.
The pilot implementation started in the academic year 2018-219 with a total number of 41 students (31 at CONTI and 10 at MSS). The selection process was unfolded in October 2019
In the academic year 2019-2010, a total number of 25 students were selected for the dual-study option (15 at CONTI and 10 at MSS) and are currently enrolled in the program. The selection process was unfolded in October 2019.
Of course, the first generation of students enrolled in the program (37 out of 41) are now in the second year, pursuing the dual-study programme.
The pandemic situation appeared during 2020 have affected the dual-study programme, but did not stopped it. The practical activities unfolded at CONTI and MSS have been unfolded in a hybrid manner, some of on-site, with physical attendance, and some of them on-line. CONTI and MSS have have taken all health precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 contamination. However, the selection for the third generation of students pursuing the dual-study program has been postponed and did not take place in October 2020.
CONTI and MSS have expressed their intention to continue the collaboration with ULBS and to provide logistical support for the dual-study programme. Thus, the companies have expressed their intention to select a total number of 20 students (10 at CONTI and 10 at MSS) for the academic year 2020-2021. The selection process will take place in March 2021.
Consequently, even in this difficult period of pandemic, the dual study program has enjoyed great success, both among students and among partner industrial companies. Currently, two generations of students, in the second and third year, are enrolled in the program, and the third generation will start in the summer of 2021.