Leopold Hoesch Vocational College

What Leopold Hoesch Vocational College does

Leopold-Hoesch-Berufskolleg (LHB) is a public vocational college (Berufskolleg) operated by the City of Dortmund in Germany, providing technical education in metalwork, mechatronics, refrigeration technology (Kältetechnik), and vehicle technology. The institution serves multiple student segments: dual-system apprentices who split time between classroom instruction and over 80 regional partner companies, full-time students pursuing school-leaving qualifications (Hauptschulabschluss through Abitur), working professionals enrolled in part-time Fachschule für Technik programs for state-certified technician credentials, newly immigrated youth in Internationale Förderklassen, and pre-vocational learners in Ausbildungsvorbereitung. Two student-run companies—Young Steel (custom metalwork GbR founded 2011) and Tutorenteam (peer tutoring JUNIOR firm)—provide applied business experience.

LHB's educational portfolio spans seven core programs delivered on a single Dortmund campus at Gronaustraße 4: Berufsschule dual training in Metalltechnik, Mechatronik, and Fahrzeugtechnik; Berufsfachschule Metalltechnik; Zweijährige Höhere Berufsfachschule Metalltechnik (Fachhochschulreife pathway); Berufliches Gymnasium für Technik (Abitur pathway with performance courses in engineering sciences); Fachschule für Technik in Maschinenbautechnik (four-year part-time technician certification); the combined Ausbildung plus FHR+ model; and Ausbildungsvorbereitung. Underlying instruction are industrial-standard facilities including CAD/CNC and Inventor-equipped labs, seven high-speed 3D printers in Room 124, mechatronics and Kältetechnik laboratories, automotive and two-wheeler workshops, robotics equipment, and four GermanBionic exoskeletons used to teach occupational health. International mobility is delivered through Erasmus+ partnerships with schools and host companies in Spain, Norway, France, Hungary, and the USA, notably a long-running exchange with Ogeechee Technical College in Georgia.

LHB operates under a public funding model: as a municipal institution maintained by the City of Dortmund's Schulverwaltungsamt, it charges no tuition and is funded through the municipal education budget plus state-level programs such as Digitalpakt. GTM is event-driven—open-house days, information evenings, regional career fairs (Berufskollegtag, Vocatium), and direct online enrollment—complemented by a channel/reseller layer of over 80 dual-training partner companies (BMW Niederlassung Dortmund, Vitesco Technologies, Anker Schroeder, Dünschede Fahrzeugbau, Orvecame, Hülpert, and others) that supply apprenticeship placements and pay Ausbildungsvergütung. Marketing channels are modest: an institutional website (lhb-do.de), an Instagram account, and printed Schulbroschüre. The school is led by Schulleiter René Lottermoser (since May 2, 2025) with Petra Seehöfer as deputy, and competes in the Arnsberg district vocational education market where it holds the only Mechatronik für Kältetechnik offering.

Name

Leopold Hoesch Vocational College

Legal name

Leopold-Hoesch-Berufskolleg

Website

https://lhb-do.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Leopold-Hoesch-Berufskolleg is a public vocational college in Dortmund, Germany, operated by the City of Dortmund. It delivers dual-system apprenticeships, full-time technical programs, and technician certification in metalwork, mechatronics, refrigeration, and vehicle technology, serving apprentices, full-time students, and working professionals through municipal funding and 80+ regional partner companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational and Technical Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Experiential Learning & Internships/Co-ops (EDALABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Career & Employability Integration Support (Work Culture, Networking, Job Readiness) (EDAIAKAH)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Technical training
• Dual apprenticeship
• Mechatronics training
• Automotive training

Headquarters

HQ city

Dortmund

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Education Funding: As a public vocational school (Berufskolleg) maintained by the City of Dortmund, the school is funded through municipal education budgets. Education is provided free of tuition fees to students. Revenue comes from public funding for educational services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Leopold-Hoesch-Berufskolleg is a public vocational college (Berufskolleg) in Dortmund, Germany, operated by the City of Dortmund. It delivers technical secondary and continuing education, including dual Berufsschule instruction in Metalltechnik, Mechatronik, and Fahrzeugtechnik, full-time Berufsfachschule programs, Berufliches Gymnasium für Technik (technical grammar school), and the Fachschule für Technik (technician certification). It also runs student companies (Young Steel, Tutorenteam), pre-vocational preparation, integration classes for immigrants, and Erasmus+ international exchange programs.

Product overview

Leopold-Hoesch-Berufskolleg is a vocational college (Berufskolleg) offering a comprehensive portfolio of technical education programs. The core offerings include Berufsschule (dual vocational training) in Metalltechnik, Mechatronik, and Fahrzeugtechnik; Berufsfachschule programs for foundational vocational training; Berufliches Gymnasium für Technik leading to Abitur; and Fachschule für Technik for technician certification. Supporting educational initiatives include Internationale Förderklassen (IFK) for newly immigrated students and Erasmus+ international exchange programs. The institution also operates two student companies—Young Steel (metalworking company producing custom metal products) and the LHB Tutorenteam (peer tutoring service)—providing practical business experience. The portfolio is organized as a multi-track educational platform serving diverse pathways from pre-vocational training through higher education preparation and continuing professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Young Steel: Student-run metalworking company producing custom metal products including decorative items, jewelry, and functional metalwork
• Tutorenteam (SHS)

Products and services

• Berufsschule für Metalltechnik, Mechatronik und Fahrzeugtechnik Dual vocational school program providing theoretical and practical education in metal technology, mechatronics, and vehicle technology, preparing students for apprenticeships in industrial and craft trades. Students attend 1-2 days per week while training at partner companies.
• Berufsfachschule Metalltechnik Full-time vocational school offering foundational metal technology training leading to intermediate school-leaving certificate (Mittlerer Schulabschluss) and professional qualifications.
• Ausbildungsvorbereitung (AV) Pre-vocational training programs (full-time and part-time) designed to prepare participants for successful completion of dual vocational education, including acquisition of Hauptschulabschluss.
• Ausbildung und Fachhochschulreife (FHR+) Combined vocational training and Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) program in a collaborative learning group model.
• Zweijährige Höhere Berufsfachschule Metalltechnik Two-year advanced vocational school preparing students for studies at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife), combining general education with technical vocational knowledge.
• Berufliches Gymnasium für Technik Three-year technical grammar school (gymnasiale Oberstufe) leading to Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur), with performance courses in engineering sciences and machine manufacturing/mechatronics.
• Fachschule für Technik - Fachrichtung Maschinenbautechnik Four-year part-time technical school program leading to state-certified technician (Staatlich geprüfte Technikerin/Staatlich geprüfter Techniker) qualification, with evening and weekend classes for working professionals.
• Young Steel Schülerfirma Student-operated metalworking company producing custom metal products including Christmas trees, bottle holders, jewelry, railings, garden gates, and decorative items, providing practical business experience.
• Erasmus+ Mobilitätsprogramm International exchange program enabling vocational students to complete internships abroad, with partner schools in Spain (Alicante, Fuerteventura), Hungary (Budapest), Norway (Lofoten, Bodø), France (Chambery), and USA (Georgia).
• Internationale Förderklassen (IFK) Flexible integration classes for newly immigrated youth, offering individualized language and learning support with semi-annual perspective interviews and flexible group transitions.
• LHB Tutorenteam Junior student company providing peer tutoring services, where tutors offer voluntary academic support to fellow students with learning deficits, documented through protocols and recognized in school performance evaluations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students regularly win national competitions - David Giersbach became German Champion (Bundessieger) in Karosserie- und Fahrzeugbaumechaniker at German Craft Skills 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fachhochschule Dortmund - TalentscoutingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026Formal partnership agreement signed 2026 recognizing Talentscouting collaboration since 2021. FH Dortmund Talentscouts identify and support talented LHB students. Program aims for educational equity and social mobility. Agreement ensures long-term cooperation for student guidance.
• Ogeechee Technical College (Statesboro, Georgia, USA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Long-term partnership for international exchange program. LHB apprentices spend 3 weeks at Ogeechee Technical College in Georgia, interning at local companies. American students visit Dortmund, interning at German companies. Project expanded to include Mechatroniker für Kältetechnik. Supported by Erasmus+ and Joachim-Herz-Stiftung.
• CIFP Majada Marcial (Fuerteventura, Spain)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+ partner school. LHB Kfz-Mechatronik students complete internships at Orvecame (largest KFZ workshop on Fuerteventura) and attend classes at CIFP Majada Marcial. Exchange includes cultural activities and language learning.
• Videregående Skole (Bodø, Norway)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian partner school for vocational training exchange. Students complete internships in industrial mechanics, KFZ-Mechatronik, and bodywork. School visits include Svolvær (Lofoten) and Bodø locations. Exchange part of Robots 'R Us Erasmus+ project.
• Erasmus+ Partners (Alicante, Budapest, Fuerteventura, Toulouse, Lofoten, Bodø, Chambery)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple Erasmus+ mobility partners across Europe. Students from Metalltechnik, Mechatronik, KFZ, and Karosserie trades complete international internships. Countries include Spain (Alicante, Fuerteventura), Hungary (Budapest), France (Toulouse, Chambery), and Norway (Lofoten, Bodø).
• BVB-Lernzentrum (Borussia Dortmund)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with BVB Football Club's learning center. LHB students participate in workshops and activities. Supports 'Meine Stadt, mein Verein' project funding for student excursions.
• Diverse Ausbildungsbetriebe (Training Companies)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 80 companies serve as dual training partners. Students receive practical workplace training in Metalltechnik, Mechatronik, Kältetechnik, and Fahrzeugtechnik trades. Companies pay Ausbildungsvergütung and provide hands-on skills development.
• Regionales Berufsbildungszentrum Dortmund (RBZ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with seven other Dortmund Berufskollegs. Project developed new cooperative structures for vocational education. International Förderklassen (IFK) concept adopted into NRW state law. 'Ausbildung plus FHR' model enables apprentices to earn Fachhochschulreife.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Fachhochschule Dortmund: University of Applied Sciences in Dortmund and formal Talentscouting partner of LHB since 2021 (formalized 2026). Offers degree-level technical education that builds on and overlaps with LHB's Fachhochschulreife and Berufliches Gymnasium pathways, representing the next-stage educational destination for LHB graduates.

Direct peers

• Reinoldus- und Schiller-Berufskolleg Dortmund: Dortmund Berufskolleg and RBZ partner institution with technical and commercial vocational programs. Operates in the same city and competes with LHB for apprentices in overlapping trade areas under the same NRW Berufsschule regulatory framework.
• Paul-Ehrlich-Berufskolleg Dortmund: One of the Dortmund RBZ Berufskollegs with vocational programs including technical tracks. Serves the same Dortmund-area apprentice and full-time student population as LHB under the same public-school funding model.
• Fritz-Henßler-Berufskolleg Dortmund: Dortmund Berufskolleg and RBZ cooperation partner of LHB. Offers vocational programs including technical tracks in the same city, serving the same municipal catchment area and competing directly with LHB for school-leavers entering dual apprenticeship pathways.
• Karl-Schiller-Berufskolleg Dortmund: Dortmund Berufskolleg and RBZ cooperation partner of LHB. Public vocational college with overlapping program portfolio in the same regional labor market, providing directly comparable educational offerings to Dortmund-area apprentices and full-time students.
• Robert-Bosch-Berufskolleg Dortmund: One of the seven Dortmund Berufskollegs cooperating with LHB through the Regionales Berufsbildungszentrum Dortmund (RBZ). Offers technical and commercial vocational programs in the same city, competing for the same Dortmund apprentice pool and operating under the same NRW Berufskolleg framework as LHB.
• Max-Eyth-Schule Alsfeld: German Berufskolleg with strong technical and vocational focus, host site of the German Craft Skills 2025 competition where LHB's student won. Operates as a public vocational college with similar dual-training, mechatronics, and automotive programs, making it a directly comparable institution in the same segment of the German vocational education system.

Regional players

• CIFP Majada Marcial: Spanish vocational training center on Fuerteventura, partnering with LHB for Kfz-Mechatronik student exchanges through Erasmus+. Operates in a different country but delivers comparable technical vocational education with similar dual-training elements and serves as a mobility partner for LHB apprentices.
• Ogeechee Technical College: US technical college in Statesboro, Georgia, partnered with LHB through Erasmus+ for mutual student exchanges in mechatronics, automotive, and Kältetechnik trades. Operates in a different geography but offers directly comparable technical vocational training with similar dual-training and apprenticeship structures.
• Berufskolleg Witten: Technical Berufskolleg in nearby Witten (Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis) offering vocational programs including mechatronics and metalworking. Operates in a different but adjacent region from LHB, providing comparable NRW Berufskolleg offerings to a similar industrial workforce catchment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/leopold_hoesch_berufskolleg
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leopold-hoesch-berufskolleg-dortmund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leopold Hoesch Vocational College