When Louis Sichelstiel talks about road construction, his passion for the craft resonates in every sentence. The 23-year-old is currently preparing for his next big appearance: the national competition for road construction apprentices in Feuchtwangen. For the native of Hahnbach (Amberg-Sulzbach district), road construction is not just a job, but a vocation that he combines perfectly with academic education thanks to his dual study programme.
The path to dual studies
His enthusiasm for the trade began while he was still at school. A compulsory internship at LF Graf GmbH proved to be a turning point. ‘I was able to try out lots of different trades, operate machines and learn about processes that I wasn't familiar with at home – on our farm,’ he recalls. The school internship quickly turned into regular holiday jobs, through which he gained valuable experience.
The decisive step towards a dual study programme came after discussions with older colleagues. ‘I was convinced that you learn faster and more practically during your studies. On the construction site, I can understand every step of the process and later, as a site manager or planner, I will be better able to anticipate problems,’ explains Louis. Financial independence during his studies was a welcome additional benefit.
Theory meets practice on the construction site
What makes the dual civil engineering degree programme special is that, in addition to the traditional theoretical studies, students also complete a vocational apprenticeship – making it the ideal combination of practical skills and theory, according to Louis. ‘You learn something in class and see it on the construction site the next day. It's a completely different understanding than you get from a purely theoretical degree programme.’ He emphasises that respect on the construction site is something you have to earn – regardless of your position. ‘Those who get involved themselves understand how construction really works.’ This attitude also earned him the title of ‘Bavarian Master Road Builder Apprentice’ – for him, an absolute highlight of his training so far.
In addition to his studies, Louis is acquiring additional qualifications. After completing his studies, he will start his professional life with a training certificate and certificates as an occupational safety specialist and health and safety coordinator.
However, students benefit not only from the additional qualifications on offer, but also from the research opportunities at OTH Regensburg. In the recently launched Interreg project WALZ 4.0, for example, craftsmen, universities and institutions are working together to develop new ways of achieving a sustainable and digital building culture. OTH Regensburg is working with experienced craftsmen to develop concepts for digitally innovative support for paving with natural stones, thus supporting people with modern methods.
Starting his career after his bachelor's thesis
After the national finals from 8 to 10 November 2025, Louis will start working on his bachelor's thesis, which he plans to submit next year. His main goal after that is clear: he wants to gain a foothold in the private sector, ideally in a position as a construction manager, in order to find his own niche.
