Successful introduction of non-traditional students into a dualstudy programme for technical teachers

This paper describes a dual-study option for non-traditional students training to enter the technical teaching profession. The goal is to counter the shortage of teachers at vocational schools by opening up new target groups and recruiting teachers for rural areas. The paper first describes the students in three enrolled courses in terms of their study choice motives and study entry behaviour. Next, the paper explains their specific needs for support and the concept developed by the university to meet these needs, which aims to ensure a successful transition into the study programme and to provide support and counselling options during the introductory study phase. The paper concludes with an insight into the process and success of the study programme, as well as an outlook for the future.