Interkulturelle Schule Fortbildung und Ausbildung

What Interkulturelle Schule Fortbildung und Ausbildung does

isfa – interkulturelle schule fortbildung und ausbildung gmbh is a Kiel-headquartered freier Bildungsträger (independent education provider) that delivers vocational training, labor-market integration, and German language programs on behalf of German public-sector commissioning bodies. The organization traces to a 1980 nonprofit association (isfa e.V.) focused on the professional and social integration of foreign workers, converted to its current gmbh structure in 1997, with a wholly-owned subsidiary, isfa plus GmbH, established in 2003-2004 to satisfy public procurement rules requiring a second bidding entity. Approximately 110 permanently employed pedagogues and 30 freelance educators operate across eight locations in Schleswig-Holstein (Kiel, Bad Segeberg, Eckernförde, Kaltenkirchen, Neumünster, Norderstedt, Rendsburg, plus Kiel specialty sites for AMALI and Beratung in Schule). The portfolio is organized into three pillars: Berufliche Bildung (AsAflex, BaE, IT-Scouts, Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung), Vermittlung & Integration (Aktivierungshilfen, Support, BEK, Beratung in Schule, AMALI), and Deutschkurse (DaZ, Integrationskurse mit Kinderbeaufsichtigung).

The underlying technology stack is non-proprietary: the organization runs a WordPress-based public website with course management, an event calendar, a forum, Google Maps API integration for site locations, and AnyDesk for remote support. AZAV certification (Akkreditierungs- und Zulassungsverordnung Arbeitsförderung) authorizes isfa to deliver SGB II/SGB III-funded programs and is the gating credential for participation in federal and state labor-market commissioning. No AI, machine learning, or proprietary platform capabilities are described.

The revenue model is almost entirely public-sector contracting: isfa is commissioned by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter (Kiel and Kreis Rendsburg-Eckernförde), the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF), and the Land Schleswig-Holstein to deliver specific integration and qualification measures. Multiple programs (AMALI, IT-Scouts, Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung) are co-financed through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Landesprogramm Arbeit 2021-2027. A minor self-payer stream exists (£340-£640 listed course pricing), but the overwhelming majority of participants access programs free of charge via government eligibility determinations. Customers are public entities; participants are disadvantaged youth, migrants, refugees, and job seekers referred through institutional channels.

Name

Interkulturelle Schule Fortbildung und Ausbildung

Legal name

isfa – interkulturelle schule fortbildung und ausbildung gmbh

Website

https://isfa-net.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

isfa is a Kiel-based freier Bildungsträger that delivers government-commissioned vocational training, integration programs, and German language courses across eight locations in Schleswig-Holstein, serving disadvantaged youth, migrants, refugees, and job seekers through contracts with federal and state employment agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Integration Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Support Services (61171), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Immigrant & Refugee Workforce Integration Programs (EDAAAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Integration & Inclusion Services (Housing, Education, Employment) (BPADAHAI), Language & Cross-Cultural Training (BPACANAL), Refugee, Migration & Displacement Support (BPAGABAH)

Keywords

• Vocational training services
• German language courses
• Integration services
• Youth employment programs
• Adult education

Headquarters

HQ city

Kiel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Contract Revenue (SGB II and SGB III funded measures): isfa gmbh generates revenue by conducting publicly funded educational and integration measures on behalf of German public authorities. This includes vocational preparation programs (Berufsvorbereitende Bildungsmaßnahmen, BvB), extra-company vocational training (Berufsausbildung in außerbetrieblichen Einrichtungen, BaEkoop), measures under § 45 SGB III and § 16f/§ 16h SGB II, social pedagogical support in vocational schools, German as a Second Language courses (Integrationskurse des BAMF), and occupation-specific language courses (Berufsbezogene Sprachkurse des BAMF). Revenue is generated through government contracts with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, the Land Schleswig-Holstein, and the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF). This is the primary revenue stream.
2. ESF+ (European Social Fund Plus) Co-Funded Projects: Several isfa projects are co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Land Schleswig-Holstein through the Landesprogramm Arbeit 2021-2027. These include: AMALI (activation and qualification of women with migration and refugee backgrounds), IT-Scouts (career orientation in IT for youth), and Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung (regional apprenticeship support). ESF+ provides supplemental funding alongside government contracts.
3. Self-Paying Participants: Some participants partially or fully pay for educational services themselves. The Leitbild states that some participants are 'teilweise selbst zahlende Teilnehmer*innen und vollständig selbst zahlende Teilnehmer*innen'. Course listings show some priced courses (e.g., Aktivierungshilfen £400, Berufliche Bildung courses £350-640, Deutschkurse £340). These represent a minor secondary revenue stream from direct participant payments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

isfa is a government-commissioned educational services provider delivering vocational training, activation/integration support, and German language courses for disadvantaged youth, migrants, and refugees in Schleswig-Holstein. Programs span Berufliche Bildung (AsAflex, BaE, IT-Scouts, Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung), Vermittlung & Integration (Aktivierungshilfen, Support, BEK, Beratung in Schule, AMALI), and Deutschkurse (DaZ, Integrationskurs mit Kind Plus), delivered across 8 locations under contracts with Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, BAMF, Land Schleswig-Holstein and ESF+.

Product overview

Interkulturelle Schule Fortbildung und Ausbildung (isfa) is a vocational education and integration services provider operating as a platform of multiple educational programs. The organization offers three main service categories: (1) Berufliche Bildung (Vocational Education) including AsAflex, BaE, IT-Scouts, and Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung; (2) Vermittlung & Integration including Aktivierungshilfen, Support, Beratung in Schule, Berufseingangsklassen, and Amali; and (3) Deutschkurse (German Courses) including Deutsch als Zweitsprache and Integrationskurse mit Kinderbeaufsichtigung. The portfolio is delivered through multiple locations in Schleswig-Holstein (Kiel, Bad Segeberg, Eckernförde, Kaltenkirchen, Neumünster, Norderstedt, Rendsburg) for various government agencies including the Federal Employment Agency, Jobcenter, State of Schleswig-Holstein, and Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Assistierte Ausbildung flexibel (AsAflex)
• Berufsausbildung in außerbetrieblichen Einrichtungen (BaE)
• IT-Scouts
• Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung
• Aktivierungshilfen
• Support
• Beratung in Schule
• Berufseingangsklassen (BEK)
• AMALI
• Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DaZ)
• Integrationskurse mit Kinderbeaufsichtigung (Integrationskurs mit Kind Plus)

Quantifiable outcome

• Youth successfully complete vocational training with support from AsAflex, BaE, and Ausbildungsbetreuung
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 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

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Land Schleswig-Holstein (Landesprogramm Arbeit 2021-2027)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021isfa participates in the Landesprogramm Arbeit 2021-2027 (State Labor Program 2021-2027) of Land Schleswig-Holstein, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the state. This framework program enables multiple isfa projects including AMALI (women with migration backgrounds), IT-Scouts (IT career orientation for youth), and Regionale Ausbildungsbetreuung (regional apprenticeship support). The partnership represents isfa's core operational funding model alongside direct commissions from federal agencies.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency)coreOthersPrimary public sector commissioning partner. Funds and directs isfa programs including AsAflex (Assistierte Ausbildung flexibel), BaE (Berufsausbildung in außerbetrieblichen Einrichtungen), BvB (Berufsvorbereitende Bildungsmaßnahmen), § 45 SGB III measures, and BAMF-commissioned German language courses. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit determines participant eligibility for AsAflex and is a key funding body across isfa's vocational training portfolio.
• Jobcenter Kiel / Jobcenter Kreis Rensburg-EckernfördecoreOthersPublic employment offices (Jobcenter) commission integration and activation measures under SGB II, including the Support project for youth with complex barriers, Aktivierungshilfen (Aktivierungshilfen/Sprungbrett), AMALI program for women, and refer participants with SGB II eligibility. Jobcenter Kreis Rensburg-Eckernförde specifically commissions measures for its district.
• Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF)coreOthersFederal Office for Migration and Refugees commissions isfa to deliver Integrationskurse (with and without literacy support), Berufsbezogene Sprachkurse (occupation-specific German language courses under DeuFöV with B2 target), and related BAMF language programs. BAMF authorization determines participant eligibility and fee-free status for German language courses.
• Ausbildungsverbund Eckernförde-Schleswig (AvES)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner for Berufseingangsklassen (BEK) project. AvES and isfa jointly deliver BEK programs at Berufliche Schulen/Regionalen Berufsbildungszentren (RBZ) in Schleswig-Holstein under the state government's 'Schule & Arbeitswelt' action concept. isfa provides coaching while AvES contributes to the program structure.
• Berufsbildende Schulen / Regionale Berufsbildungszentren (RBZ) Schleswig-HolsteinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational schools and Regional Vocational Education Centers in Schleswig-Holstein serve as physical locations for Berufseingangsklassen (BEK) programs and as partners in BaE (vocational school instruction component). Berufsschulunterricht (vocational school lessons) are a core component of BaE's three-phase training model. The RBZ Technik in Kiel also hosts the Beratung in Schule office.
• Ausbildungsberechtigte Betriebe (Authorized Training Companies)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompanies authorized to provide vocational training are essential partners for AsAflex (where apprentices are employed by the company but receive isfa support) and BaE (where isfa cooperates with training companies for practical training phases). These employer partnerships are critical for placing apprentices in real work environments and enabling successful training completion.
• Bildungsträger (Educational Providers with Similar Profiles)minorOthersThe Leitbild notes that isfa maintains regular contact with other educational providers (Bildungsträger) with similar profiles to improve quality and rationalize work. These are peer organizations in the further education sector, though specific names are not listed.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie (DAA): National educational provider operating AZAV-certified vocational reintegration, retraining, and language/integration courses for federal and state agencies under SGB II/III and BAMF, with similar program mix and commissioning relationships to isfa.
• bfz (Berufliche Fortbildungszentren der Bayerischen Arbeitgeberverbände): Bayern-based Bildungsträger delivering AsAflex, BaE-style apprenticeship support, integration courses, and activation measures; direct peer to isfa in funded vocational training.
• BBQ Bildung und Berufliche Qualifizierung gGmbH: Largest private Bildungsträger in Germany, delivering AZAV-certified vocational training, activation measures (Aktivierungshilfen), and integration courses for the Bundesagentur and Jobcenter across multiple federal states—directly comparable model and contract base to isfa.
• Kolping Bildung Deutschland gGmbH: Confessional Bildungsträger offering activation, vocational training (BvB/BaE/AsAflex equivalent), and migrant integration courses; comparable program portfolio and AZAV-funded model.
• Grone Bildungszentren GmbH: National freier Bildungsträger providing vocational preparation (BvB), BaE, Integrationskurse, and DeuFöV across many German states; competes with isfa for the same BAMF and Bundesagentur contracts.

Emerging players

• Passage gGmbH (Hamburg/Hannover): Non-profit specializing in vocational integration of migrants and refugees, including BAMF integration courses and labor-market integration programs; narrow product overlap with isfa's migration/integration track.

Broad incumbents

• DEKRA Akademie GmbH: Large incumbent vocational training provider delivering funded retraining, integration courses, and workforce development programs as part of DEKRA's broader certification and workforce services portfolio.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie / TÜV NORD Bildung: Branch of major TÜV certification groups delivering vocational retraining and integration courses as part of broader industrial/services testing portfolio; comparable to isfa on funded training but with parent-group scale.

Regional players

• VHS (Volkshochschulen) Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein: Public adult education centers in Schleswig-Holstein delivering Integrationskurse, DaZ, and Berufsvorbereitung; direct regional competitor to isfa for BAMF and Jobcenter contracts in the same geography.
• Handwerkskammer / IHK Bildungszentren Schleswig-Holstein: Chamber of Crafts/Commerce training centers in Schleswig-Holstein delivering AsAflex-style apprenticeship support, BaE, and career orientation (e.g., IT/Handwerk) within the same regional market as isfa.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/150859838283730
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/isfa-ggmbh

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Interkulturelle Schule Fortbildung und Ausbildung