26 March 2026

Nordhausen/Leinefelde-Worbis - Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and KNAUFT energy GmbH have signed a cooperation agreement to organise a practice-oriented course of study. The aim of the co-operation is to enable students to closely combine theoretical knowledge with practical application in the company.

With this agreement, both partners are expanding their cooperation in the area of developing young talent. Students are given the opportunity to gain practical experience at a company in the energy sector during their studies and apply their knowledge directly in day-to-day operations.

„Such collaborations are a central component of our range of study programmes,“ says Prof Dr Jörg Wagner, President of Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. „Students benefit from gaining insights into real work processes at an early stage and being able to combine their studies with concrete practical experience.“

knauft gruppe GmbH & Co. KG also sees this collaboration as an important step. „We want to promote qualified junior staff at an early stage and give them a realistic insight into our fields of work,“ explains Benedikt Knauft. „The combination of study and practice creates a good basis for starting a career later on.“

As part of the practice-oriented degree programme, students are trained both at the university and in practical phases at the company. There they work on specific tasks and receive professional supervision. The university is also responsible for the courses and the organisation of examinations.

The cooperation underlines Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences' commitment to continuously developing its degree programmes and opening up clear career prospects for students. At the same time, it strengthens cooperation with regional companies and helps to retain skilled workers in the region.

About Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is a state university in Thuringia with a practice-orientated range of courses in the fields of engineering, economics, social sciences and sustainability. Around 2,000 students from numerous countries are currently studying at the Weinberghof campus. Research and teaching are closely networked with regional and international partners from business, society and science.

About knauft gruppe GmbH & Co. KG

knauft gruppe GmbH & Co. KG, based in Leinefelde-Worbis, has been a reliable partner in the region of Thuringia, Lower Saxony, Hesse and beyond for over 25 years. The company specialises in building technology, fire alarm and security technology, renewable energy systems, control and switchgear construction and maintenance and repair.