Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel

What Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel does

Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel gem. GmbH (KBBW) is a non-profit vocational rehabilitation institution headquartered at Tegelweg 33 in Brakel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Established in 1983 as part of the Kolping-Bildungswerk Paderborn network (parent founded 1967), KBBW operates an integrated model that combines vocational training, residential living, and social-pedagogical support for young people aged 15-25 with learning difficulties and psychological impairments. The facility delivers state-recognized training across 26-30 occupations in 8 occupational fields — including bakery, carpentry, metalworking, bicycle mechatronics, recycling, warehouse/logistics, painting, and masonry — through 17+ on-site workshops, a residential campus, and a co-located vocational college (Förderberufskolleg). Programs run 2-3.5 years and lead to theory-reduced specialist qualifications or full vocational certifications. \n\nKBBW's technology stack is conventional rather than differentiated: the website runs on standard CMS infrastructure with Matomo open-source analytics (anonymized, on-premise) and OpenStreetMap for directions. The principal technology differentiator is the MIKA digital/media-pedagogical training program for trainers, focused on integrating digital tools into vocational pedagogy rather than AI. Quality is governed by DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 certification, AZAV accreditation under German labor promotion law, and the ReZA rehabilitation-pedagogical qualification for instructional staff (320 teaching units plus annual updates).\n\nRevenue is generated almost exclusively through statutory rehabilitation funding under German social law (SGB II/III for adult labor market integration; SGB VIII for youth welfare). Per-participant funding agreements are negotiated with the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), Jobcenter, and Jugendämter (youth welfare offices). KBBW does not sell services commercially, has no publicly disclosed pricing, and operates as a gGmbH (gemeinnützige GmbH) — a tax-exempt non-profit limited liability company wholly owned by Kolping-Bildungswerk Paderborn gGmbH, which itself oversees a network of 25 affiliated companies. Distribution is regional (up to 100 km catchment area) and delivered through on-campus programs, cooperative training with regional employers (e.g., Motorwelt Brakel), and the annual STEP1 career fair attended by approximately 2,400 students and ~90-100 exhibitors.

Name

Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel

Legal name

Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel gem. GmbH

Website

https://kbbw-brakel.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KBBW Brakel is a non-profit vocational rehabilitation center in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, providing integrated training, residential living, and social-pedagogical support to young people aged 15-25 with learning difficulties and psychological impairments, funded under German social law (SGB II/III/VIII).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAKAAAG

Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22)

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Special Education Schools & Programs

SECONDARYEDAKANAA

Post-Secondary Transition Planning & Coordination

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Transition Services (Post-Secondary, Employment & Independent Living)

SECONDARYEDAKANAB

College Readiness & Disability Services Transition Support

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Transition Services (Post-Secondary, Employment & Independent Living)

SECONDARYEDAAABAK

College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Adult Secondary Education (ASE) / High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET)

Keywords

• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Supported vocational training
• Pre-vocational preparation programs
• Residential rehabilitation housing
• Occupational education for disabilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Brakel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Vocational Rehabilitation Funding: The organization operates as a funded rehabilitation institution under German social law (SGB II/III, SGB VIII). Revenue is generated through per-participant funding agreements with public payers including the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), Jobcenter, and Jugendämter (youth welfare offices). This constitutes the primary and dominant revenue stream.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel delivers vocational rehabilitation and supported training for young people aged 15–25 with learning difficulties and psychological impairments under German social law (SGB II/III, SGB VIII). Core offerings include pre-vocational measures (BvB), vocational training in 26–30 state-recognized occupations across 8 occupational fields (2–3.5 years duration), residential accommodation, social-pedagogical support, and case management for transition into the primary labor market, all funded via per-participant agreements with public rehabilitation payers.

Product overview

Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel is a vocational training and rehabilitation institution for young people with learning difficulties and psychological impairments. The organization offers a comprehensive ecosystem of services including pre-vocational preparation (BvB), vocational training in 26-30 state-recognized occupations, residential accommodation, and youth welfare services. Training is delivered through 17+ practical workshop locations covering gardening, bakery, kitchen, metalworking, carpentry, sales, and more. Complementary offerings include the Förderberufskolleg (vocational college), ReZA rehabilitation pedagogy qualification, the Kolping-Röstwerkstatt coffee roasting operation, international volunteer exchange programs, and the annual STEP1 career fair. The organization is certified to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and is an AZAV-accredited training provider, operating as part of the larger Kolping-Bildungswerk Paderborn network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Berufsvorbereitende Bildungsmaßnahme (BvB) Pre-vocational training measure preparing young people for apprenticeships through orientation, qualification, and practical work experience in various occupational fields. Targeted at young people with learning difficulties and psychological impairments.
• Vocational Training in State-Recognized Occupations Vocational training in 26–30 state-recognized occupations for young people with learning difficulties and psychological impairments, lasting 2–3.5 years and preparing graduates for first labor market entry.
• Lernort Wohnen (Residential Accommodation) Residential accommodation in modern shared housing with single and double rooms for trainees, providing around-the-clock support alongside vocational training.
• Jugendhilfe (Youth Welfare Services) Youth welfare services providing support and care for young people alongside their vocational training under SGB VIII.
• Beratungs- und Vermittlungsdienste (Case Management and Placement Services) Case management and placement services helping trainees transition into employment, including cooperation with employment agencies and job centers.
• Förderberufskolleg (Supportive Vocational College) Theoretical education provided by Kolping Schulwerk within the same building, complementing practical vocational training at KBBW.
• Süd-Nord-Freiwilligendienst (South-North Volunteer Service) One-year international volunteer service program hosting young adults from Latin America in Germany, operated in partnership with mundus Eine Welt e.V. and funded by BMZ.
• STEP1-Berufseinstiegsmesse (Career Entry Fair) Annual career orientation fair for students from grade 9+, providing information about apprenticeships, studies, and vocational training paths with approximately 90 exhibitors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Young people with learning difficulties and psychological impairments achieve recognized vocational qualifications and transition into the primary labor market
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• SC Paderborn 07 (SCP07)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Kolping-Bildungswerk Paderborn entered a long-term partnership with SC Paderborn 07 as the official main partner for the 'Herzblut. Verbindet.' (Heartbeat. Connects.) umbrella brand. The partnership focuses on joint social and educational projects including Bundesliga bewegt movement promotion, NULLSIEBEN educational zone, SCP07 football academy, and kids club activities. KBBW Brakel participates in these joint projects. The partnership includes communication and advertising rights such as LED perimeter signage at the Home Deluxe Arena and social media presence.
• GfW Kreis Höxter (Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftsförderung im Kreis Höxter)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025GfW Kreis Höxter co-organizes the annual Unternehmerfrühstück with KBBW and fundus e.V. GfW Geschäftsführer Michael Stolte emphasizes inclusion as an economic success factor and actively promotes the employment of people with disabilities among regional businesses.
• Agentur für Arbeit Detmold-Paderborn (Rehateam)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025The Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) is the primary funder and referral partner for KBBW's rehabilitation services. Patrick Beiersdorfer (Head of Rehateam) participates in regional employer events and provides data indicating ~800 people with disabilities in the Kreis Höxter who could potentially access the primary labor market.
• EAA — Einheitliche Ansprechstelle für Arbeitgeber (HWK Ostwestfalen-Lippe)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025EAA serves as a trilingual, barrier-free guidance point for employers in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region regarding the employment of people with disabilities. Presented by Jürgen Altemöller at the 2026 Unternehmerfrühstück as a key support resource for inclusive hiring.
• Kolping Bildungswerk Paderborn gGmbH (Parent Organization)flagshipOthers · 1 January 2025KBBW is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kolping-Bildungswerk Paderborn gGmbH, which operates 25 affiliated companies. The parent organization provides centralized HR services, quality management, and strategic direction. Regina Schafmeister serves as Hauptgeschäftsführerin (CEO) and Wolfgang Gelhard as Geschäftsführer. The network enables cross-company training and shared employee benefits.
• SLP Paderborn gGmbH — Kolping Inklusionshotels (Soest, Paderborn, Witten)minorOthers · 1 January 2025Three Kolping inclusion hotels operated by SLP Paderborn gGmbH in Soest, Paderborn, and Witten serve as employee benefit destinations. KBBW staff receive preferential rates at these facilities as well as selected Europe-wide Kolping hotels and family holiday homes.
• fundus e.V. (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für berufliche Weiterbildung im Kreis Höxter)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024fundus e.V. is a regional further education working group in the Höxter district. KBBW co-organizes events with fundus including the annual Unternehmerfrühstück employer breakfast, promoting inclusion in the labor market. fundus coordinates the STEP1 career fair and the Weiterbildungsmesse (Continuing Education Fair) in Brakel.
• Motorwelt BrakelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Cooperative training partner for the Fachpraktiker für Zweiradmechatronik apprenticeship program. Practical training was delivered at Motorwelt Brakel under a cooperation agreement with KBBW and IHK. The first two graduates in OWL completed their training this way. One graduate, Kevin Gerken, remained employed at Motorwelt Brakel after completing the program.
• Kolping Röstwerkstatt (Tatico Coffee Roastery)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024The Kolping Röstwerkstatt operates as a separate entity on the KBBW campus, producing fair-trade coffee (Tatico brand) sourced from Honduras. It provides vocational training in coffee roasting and is part of the South-North volunteer program, hosting international volunteers. Products are sold at the Advent market and through the Kolping Café.
• Adveniat (Latin America Aid Organization)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024KBBW participates in the annual Adveniat Christmas campaign of the Catholic Church, which supports educational and youth projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. A visit from Adveniat project partners from El Salvador in December 2024 highlighted the connection between vocational training in Brakel and international solidarity.
• BonifatiuswerkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024KBBW produced 40 pilgrim staffs for the Bonifatiuswerk as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations. The wooden staffs, crafted jointly by the carpentry and metalworking departments, were handed over in November 2024 and will be distributed to dioceses in Germany, Northern Europe, Estonia, and Latvia as part of the international volunteer program.
• mundus Eine Welt e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023mundus Eine Welt e.V. based in Paderborn coordinates the South-North volunteer program with KBBW Brakel. The program, funded by BMZ (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung), brings young adults from partner countries in Central America to Germany for a one-year voluntary service. KBBW Brakel has hosted volunteers from Honduras annually since 2018.
• Kolping International / Kolping VietnamminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023International exchange visit in October 2023 by Kolping Vietnam leadership (John Pham Hui Dat, Chair; Joseph Nguyen Ho, Project Coordinator) along with Kolping International country representative Gregor Federhen. Discussions covered coffee trade, migration of nursing staff, and vocational education, reflecting shared Kolping network interests across Asia and Europe.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• bfw – Unternehmen für Bildung: One of Germany's largest vocational training and rehabilitation providers, operating AZAV-accredited programs for job market integration. Shares KBBW's core model of publicly funded vocational rehabilitation but at much larger national scale.
• Annastift Berufsbildungswerk Hannover: Vocational training and rehabilitation for youth with disabilities, part of the Annastift diakonische Anstalt network. Operates AZAV-accredited training in multiple occupational fields with residential components — directly comparable to KBBW's model.
• SRH Berufsförderungswerk: Vocational rehabilitation provider under the SRH group, focused mainly on adult re-entry to the labor market. Operates in the same SGB II/III funding ecosystem as KBBW but with a different (adult) target population, making it a partial direct peer.
• CJD Braunschweig (Christliches Jugenddorfwerk Deutschlands): CJD is a large Christian youth services organization with vocational training and rehabilitation programs comparable to Kolping's network. Operates similar AZAV-accredited training for disadvantaged youth including those with learning difficulties.
• Caritas vocational training programs: Catholic social welfare organization operating vocational training and youth welfare programs comparable to Kolping's network. Competes for the same SGB VIII funding and similar participant segments, particularly for disadvantaged youth.
• Kolping Bildungswerk (other regional branches): Other regional Kolping-Bildungswerk subsidiaries (e.g., Munich) deliver comparable vocational education and rehabilitation services under the same parent network as KBBW Brakel. Sister-organization peer with shared governance and brand.
• Berufsbildungswerk Südhessen: BBW providing vocational rehabilitation for young people with disabilities in southern Hesse. Operates under AZAV with similar integrated training-plus-residential model, making it a near-identical peer to KBBW Brakel in a different regional catchment.
• Berufsbildungswerk Oberlinhaus Potsdam: Vocational rehabilitation institution for young people with disabilities in Brandenburg, offering state-recognized training with residential support. Member of BAG BBW alongside KBBW Brakel, sharing the same regulatory and funder ecosystem.
• Berufsbildungswerk Berlin: Vocational training and rehabilitation institution for young people with disabilities in Berlin, AZAV-accredited. Member of BAG BBW, operating a comparable model to KBBW Brakel but in an urban setting.

Others

• BAG BBW (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Berufsbildungswerke): National industry association representing all Berufsbildungswerke in Germany, including KBBW Brakel. Not a competitor but a sector-shaping ecosystem participant, advocating for the BBW model with federal policymakers and funders.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCnPT5yjWwGmbuKOsSV1191g
• Facebookfacebook.com/Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk-Brakel-gem-GmbH-134586450044834
• Instagraminstagram.com/kbbw_brakel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kolping-berufsbildungswerk-brakel-ggmbh

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 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 Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Brakel