Vocational College Opladen

Name

Vocational College Opladen

Legal name

Berufskolleg Opladen

Website

https://bk-opladen.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1904

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Berufskolleg Opladen is a public vocational college in Leverkusen, Germany, funded by a four-municipality Zweckverband, delivering vocational and academic pathways across four departments to regional students aged 16-25.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities (EDAHAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics Management Schools (EDAHAHAF), Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22) (EDAKAAAG)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Dual apprenticeship training
• Career orientation services
• Berufliches Gymnasium
• Public vocational school

Headquarters

HQ city

Leverkusen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (Public Institution): As a public vocational school (Berufskolleg) in North Rhine-Westphalia, the school is fully funded by public sources (Municipal Zweckverband of Opladen, Leverkusen, Bergisch Gladbach, Burscheid, and Leichlingen). No tuition fees are charged to students.
2. Zweckverband Municipal Association Funding: The school is jointly operated by a Zweckverband (municipal utility association) of the surrounding municipalities. Each municipality contributes to the operational funding based on student enrollment from its jurisdiction.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Berufskolleg Opladen is a public vocational college delivering tuition-free educational programs across four departments: Ausbildungsvorbereitung (vocational preparation and international classes for immigrants), Gesundheit und Soziales (health and social pedagogy including educator training), Technik (technical trades and engineering), and Wirtschaft (business and commerce). It operates both as a dual Berufsschule for apprentices from regional training companies and as a full-time school offering Berufsfachschule, Höhere Berufsfachschule, Berufliche Gymnasium (Abitur), and Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik (PIA) pathways.

Product overview

Berufskolleg Opladen is a vocational college offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs across four main departments: Ausbildungsvorbereitung (Vocational Preparation), Gesundheit und Soziales (Health and Social Sciences), Technik (Technology), and Wirtschaft (Business/Economics). The institution provides multiple pathways from Berufsfachschule programs leading to intermediate certificates through to Berufliche Gymnasien delivering full Abitur qualification. Core products include Berufsfachschule 1 and 2 (one-year vocational programs), Höhere Berufsfachschule (two-year advanced programs leading to Fachhochschulreife), Berufliches Gymnasium (three-year upper secondary schools leading to Abitur), and Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik (social pedagogy college). Supporting services include ConneXions (cross-departmental counseling coordination), Schullaufbahnberatung (career path counseling), Schulsozialarbeit (social work services), Schulseelsorge (chaplaincy), Schulsanitätsdienst (first aid service), Schülervertretung (student council), and Kollegiumssport (staff sports). The institution also operates a teacher training program for Referendare and maintains a Förderverein for supplementary funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ausbildungsvorbereitung (Vocational Preparation) Vocational preparation department offering Berufsvorbereitung classes for career orientation and Internationale Förderklassen (IFK) for immigrant youth aged 16-18 to learn German and obtain a Hauptschulabschluss-equivalent qualification.
• Gesundheit und Soziales (Health and Social Sciences) Department covering Berufsfachschule, Höhere Berufsfachschule, Berufliches Gymnasium, and Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik pathways in health and social sciences. Programs include Berufsfachschule 2 (FOR Gesundheitswesen), Berufliches Gymnasium Gesundheitswesen, Berufliches Gymnasium Erziehungswissenschaften, and PIA educator training.
• Technik (Technology) Technical education department covering Berufsfachschule 1, Berufsfachschule 2, Höhere Berufsfachschule, Höhere Berufsfachschule + ETA (Elektrotechnische Assistent), Berufliches Gymnasium Ingenieurwissenschaften, and dual apprenticeships in Anlagenmechanik SHK, Industriemechanik, Maler- und Lackierhandwerk, Maschinen- und Anlagenführer, Tischlereihandwerk, Zerspanungsmechanik, and Garten- und Landschaftsbau.
• Wirtschaft (Business/Economics) Business and commerce department covering Berufsfachschule 2 (Handelsschule), Höhere Berufsfachschule (Höhere Handelsschule) with bilingual VWL German/English option, Berufliches Gymnasium Wirtschaftsgymnasium, and dual apprenticeships for Automobilkaufleute, Einzelhandelskaufleute, Kaufleute für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement, and Industriekaufleute.
• Berufsfachschule 1 One-year vocational school program in Technology leading toward the intermediate school-leaving certificate.
• Berufsfachschule 2 (FOR) One-year program leading to Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Fachoberschulreife/FOR), available in Health/Social Sciences, Technology, and Business tracks (e.g., FOR Gesundheitswesen, Handelsschule).
• Höhere Berufsfachschule Two-year advanced vocational school leading to Fachhochschulreife, available in Health/Social Sciences, Technology, and Business tracks (Höhere Handelsschule includes bilingual VWL German/English option).
• Höhere Berufsfachschule + ETA (Elektrotechnische Assistent) Three-year program combining Höhere Berufsfachschule with vocational training as an electro-technical assistant, leading to Fachhochschulreife plus vocational qualification.
• Berufliches Gymnasium Three-year upper secondary school leading to Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur), with tracks in Health Sciences, Educational Sciences (Erziehungswissenschaften, combined with Erzieherausbildung), Engineering (Ingenieurwissenschaften), and Economics (Wirtschaftsgymnasium).
• Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik (PIA-Modell) Vocational college for social pedagogy with integrated practical training (PIA model - Praxisintegrierte Ausbildung) leading to the state-recognized educator qualification.
• Internationale Klassen (IFK) Special integration classes for newly immigrated youth aged 16-18 to learn German, develop math skills, and obtain a qualification equivalent to Hauptschulabschluss, implemented via the KAoA kompakt program.
• ConneXions Counseling Platform Cross-departmental counseling, support, and information service coordinating cooperation with external institutions, businesses, agencies, and authorities (40+ partner organizations) for career orientation and student support.
• Schulsozialarbeit (School Social Work) Personal counseling service providing confidential, individual support for students facing personal or academic challenges, with mobile crisis availability.
• Schullaufbahnberatung (Career Path Counseling) Educational counseling service helping students plan their academic and professional paths through individual consultations and a structured two-step process (Step 1: professional field identification; Step 2: qualification-to-program mapping).
• Berufliche Orientierung - StuBo Career orientation coordination (team of 8 StuBo coordinators) implementing standard elements of the NRW state program 'Kein Abschluss ohne Anschluss' (KAoA) for vocational orientation and school-to-work transition.
• Schulseelsorge (School Chaplaincy) Pastoral counseling service offering confidential conversations for students, parents, and staff in crisis situations, regardless of religious affiliation, with expertise in grief support.
• Referendarausbildung (Teacher Training) Training program for trainee teachers (Referendare) in cooperation with Studienseminare Leverkusen and Köln, with mentoring, video-based self-evaluation, and professional development support.
• Schulsanitätsdienst (School First Aid Service) Student-led first aid service trained in cooperation with Malteser Hilfsdienst, providing medical emergency response, duty coverage at sports events, and evacuation exercises.
• Schülervetretung (Student Council) Student representative body elected annually by class representatives, advocating for student interests and organizing events including sports festivals and charity initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,000 participants in the 'Begegnung mit Osteuropa' competition, with the THS10 class producing 1 Landessieger and 5 additional Sieger winners across 1,980 total submissions.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and significant.

• IHK Düsseldorf (Industrie- und Handelskammer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe school coordinates with IHK Düsseldorf for apprenticeship examination scheduling (Abschlussprüfungen Teil 1/2) and career information events for commercial students. IHK Düsseldorf provides examination dates and administers the IHK Ausbildungsprüfungen for kaufmännische Berufe.
• IHK Köln (Industrie- und Handelskammer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional IHK partner providing examination administration and career information events for students in the Köln/Leverkusen region. Coordinates with the school for Abschlussprüfungen and information sessions.
• Handwerkskammer Köln (HWK Köln)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Handwerkskammer Köln coordinates with the school for technical trade apprenticeships (SHK, Maler, Tischler, etc.) and provides information events for Handwerksberufe at the school.
• AWO Suchtberatung Langenfeld und MonheimminorOthersAWO addiction counseling centers in Langenfeld and Monheim provide external support services to students through the ConneXions platform, addressing addiction-related issues among the student body.
• Suchthilfe gGmbH LeverkusenminorOthersAddiction support services for Leverkusen students, providing counseling and intervention services accessible through the school's ConneXions counseling platform.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Bundesagentur für Arbeit provides Bewerbertage (application days), BIZ-Mobil visits, abH-Woche (supportive assistance for unemployed youth), and career counseling appointments at the school through the KAoA and ConneXions programs.
• Verbraucherzentrale LeverkusenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsumer protection organization providing information events and consultations on consumer topics at the school through the ConneXions platform, helping students develop financial literacy and consumer awareness.
• Bayer AG (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)significantStrategic or Co-development PartnerBayer AG runs the BayLab program, hosting students from the school for hands-on science and technology experiences. The school also cooperates with Bayer 04 Leverkusen football club for anti-discrimination workshops (Schule ohne Rassismus) at the BayArena.
• Covestro AGsignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaterial manufacturer Covestro sponsors LEGO Spike Prime robot kits to Leverkusen school teams and participates in the zdi-Roboterwettbewerb hosted at the school. Also offers Inhouse Days for TAHR students to explore career opportunities in the chemical industry.
• Malteser Hilfsdienst LeverkusenminorOthersMalteser Hilfsdienst cooperates with the school for first aid and emergency response training, particularly supporting the Schulsanitätsdienst (school first aid service) with workshops.
• Strauss Innovation GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman retail company that invited school students to visit its logistics center in Solingen as part of Tag der Logistik, providing practical insights into logistics and supply chain management for economics students.
• Jugendmigrationsdienst (JMD) Langenfeld, Leverkusen, Rhein-BergminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth migration services providing support for immigrant students in the Internationalen Klassen (IFK), helping with integration, language acquisition, and career orientation for newly arrived youth aged 16–25.
• Kommunal Integrationszentrum LeverkusenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe municipal integration center coordinates with the school on the Schule ohne Rassismus program and joint projects with Bayer 04 Leverkusen for diversity and anti-discrimination workshops.
• Flughafen Köln-Bonn (Werner Aisslinger GmbH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCologne/Bonn Airport hosts practical training visits for commercial students (Großhandelskaufleute) to learn about logistics, freight handling, and supply chain operations. Guides conducted by Mr. Weber covered 740,000 tonnes of annual air cargo.
• BTP CFA Schule Aix-les-Mille, FrankreichsignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench vocational school in Aix-les-Mille, France, partnered for a German-French exchange program (March 2018) where 15 French Anlagenmechaniker apprentices studied alongside German counterparts at Berufskolleg Opladen and completed practical training in 7 local Leverkusen/Burscheid companies.
• AWO Beratungsstelle LeverkusenminorOthersAWO counseling center providing support for partnership, pregnancy, family and parenting topics accessible through the ConneXions platform.
• Aktion Lichtblicke e.V.minorOthersCharitable organization in NRW supporting children, youth and families in material, financial or emotional need. The school's SV raised 130 EUR in a Valentine's Day rose sale for this organization.
• Handelskammer HamburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHamburg Chamber of Commerce hosted an educational visit for the school's Höhere Handelsschule class, providing insight into the economic and entrepreneurial connections of a Hanseatic city.
• zdi-Netzwerk cLEVer / Kommunales Bildungsbüro LeverkusencoreStrategic or Co-development Partnerzdi (Zukunft durch Innovation.NRW) network coordinated by Leverkusen's municipal education office, organizing the local zdi-Roboterwettbewerb hosted at Berufskolleg Opladen with participation from 7 Leverkusener school teams.
• Bethel (Diakonische Einrichtung Bielefeld)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBethel's annual visit program for FHR students provides insights into the work of the large Protestant social care organization, including visits to the children's and youth hospice and contact with people with disabilities, supporting career orientation in the health/social sector.
• Schulpsychologischer Dienst LeverkusenminorOthersSchool psychological service providing mental health support for students, accessible through the ConneXions platform's external support network.
• Zirkus Marsa (Pädagogischer Zirkus)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPädagogischer Zirkus Marsa provided a circus pedagogy workshop for E PIA 11 students (praxisintegrierte Erzieherausbildung), demonstrating how circus and movement elements can be used in educational settings with children and youth.
• Salvador-Allende-Haus Oer-ErkenschwickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth education center hosting seminar trips for E PIA students (praxisintegrierte Ausbildung zur Erzieherin/zum Erzieher) for team-building and pedagogical skill development (April 2026 trip).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Handwerkskammer zu Köln: Partner chamber coordinating HWK apprenticeship examinations for the school's technical trades (SHK, Maler, Tischler). Ecosystem counterpart in the dual training pathway.
• IHK Düsseldorf (Industrie- und Handelskammer): Partner institution administering IHK Abschlussprüfungen for Berufskolleg Opladen's commercial Ausbildung students. Not a peer in the operating sense but a structural counterpart in the dual training system.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Leverkusen / Agentur für Arbeit): Federal employment agency delivering KAoA career orientation, BIZ-Mobil, and Bewerbertage at the school through the ConneXions platform. Functional partner in the school-to-work transition pipeline.

Direct peers

• Walter-Gropius-Berufskolleg Bochum: NRW vocational college with a strong technical profile (Technisches Gymnasium) and dual Ausbildung in industrial and SHK trades. Comparable in scale and Fachbereich structure to Berufskolleg Opladen's Technik department.
• Heinrich-Hertz-Berufskolleg Düsseldorf: Large Düsseldorf Berufskolleg with information-technology and technical focus, Berufliches Gymnasium, and dual Ausbildung. Operates within the same IHK Düsseldorf examination network referenced by Berufskolleg Opladen.
• Berufskolleg Köln-Mülheim: Public vocational college in the Cologne metro area offering Berufsfachschule, Berufliches Gymnasium, and dual Ausbildung across commercial and technical tracks. Same NRW state regulatory framework and similar KAoA integration.
• Joseph-DuMont-Berufskolleg Köln: Public Berufskolleg in nearby Cologne serving a similar multi-municipality catchment with comparable Fachbereich structure (commercial, technical, health/social). Directly comparable on program portfolio, catchment-area funding model, and dual Ausbildung delivery.
• Hans-Böckler-Berufskolleg Münster: NRW Berufskolleg with comparable Fachbereich structure including Wirtschaft, Technik, and Gesundheit/Soziales. Same Certqua / AZAV quality framework and similar dual-track pathway from Hauptschulabschluss to Abitur.
• Werner-von-Siemens-Berufskolleg Köln: NRW vocational college with strong technical and engineering focus (named after industrial patron), offering full pathway from Berufsfachschule through Berufliches Gymnasium. Direct comparative on industrial partnership model.

Regional players

• Berufskolleg Bergisch Land (Wuppertal): Vocational college serving the neighboring Bergisches Land region with overlapping IHK/HWK partners. Comparable in distance from Leverkusen but serves a distinct catchment, making it a regional rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

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 Vocational College Opladen