Akademie für berufliche Bildung gGmbH (AFBB)

What Akademie für berufliche Bildung gGmbH (AFBB) does

Akademie für berufliche Bildung gGmbH (AFBB) is a non-profit vocational education institution headquartered in Dresden, Germany, operating as a state-recognized Ersatzschule (substitute school) in freier Trägerschaft across three campuses in Dresden, Berlin, and Köln. Founded in 1997 and employing approximately 73 staff, AFBB delivers a portfolio spanning dual vocational training (Ausbildung) in fields including IT (Fachinformatiker), business administration (Kaufmann für Büromanagement, Industriekaufmann, Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement), retail (Kaufmann im Einzelhandel, Verkäufer), logistics (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik, Fachlagerist), real estate (Immobilienkaufmann), healthcare (Pflegefachmann), and social pedagogy (Erzieher, Sozialassistent, Kinderpfleger), alongside Berufliches Gymnasium programs (Biotechnology, Business Economics, Health & Social Sciences) leading to the Abitur, and Fachoberschule programs leading to the Fachhochschulreife. The institution is part of an Unternehmensverbund with AWV Akademie für Wirtschaft und Verwaltung GmbH and Fachhochschule Dresden - Private Fachhochschule GmbH, creating an integrated vocational-to-higher-education pipeline.

AFBB's business model is anchored in public funding as a staatlich anerkannte Ersatzschule: most dual Ausbildung programs are schulgeldfrei (tuition-free), with student living costs supported through BAföG and BAB (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe), and operating funding co-financed via the European Social Fund (ESF). Programs are delivered through a hybrid model of school-based instruction at AFBB's physical campuses combined with workplace learning at partner companies (a Lehrstellenbörse Berlin online job board connects students with employers including REWE, TDK Sensors, Beiersdorf, Storopack, and others). Revenue is supplemented through some monthly fees for Zusatzqualifikationen (additional qualifications) and through EU-funded international mobility programs (Erasmus+, Auslandspraktikum with Europass Mobility). The school is managed by Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter Tom Kahle and Geschäftsführer Günter Kahle.

Customer acquisition runs through a combination of direct campus-based enrollment, the dedicated Lehrstellenservice apprenticeship placement service, career fair participation (Stuzubi Dresden, Jobmesse Dresden), info evenings (Infoabend Abitur), the free Ferienakademie holiday course program for grade 8+ students (serving as a recruitment funnel), and ongoing employer partnerships. AFBB has no disclosed proprietary technology platform and no disclosed revenue or funding figures, operating instead as a freie Trägerschaft education provider with a structurally public-funding-anchored revenue model.

Name

Akademie für berufliche Bildung gGmbH (AFBB)

Legal name

AFBB Akademie für berufliche Bildung gemeinnützige GmbH

Website

https://afbb.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

AFBB is a German non-profit vocational education institution operating three state-recognized campuses in Dresden, Berlin, and Köln, delivering dual vocational training, Berufliches Gymnasium, and Fachoberschule programs to secondary graduates and adult learners in business, IT, logistics, healthcare, and social pedagogy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Dresden

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Vocational education funding: AFBB operates as a staatlich anerkannte Ersatzschule (state-recognized substitute school) in freier Trägerschaft (independent sponsorship). As a gGmbH (non-profit limited liability company), it receives public funding and operates without charging tuition for certain programs. Revenue is derived from government education funding, with some programs being schulgeldfrei (tuition-free).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AFBB is a non-profit vocational education institution operating state-recognized Ersatzschulen at three campuses in Dresden, Berlin, and Köln. It delivers dual vocational Ausbildung programs (Fachinformatiker, Kaufmann im Einzelhandel, Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik, Pflegefachmann, Erzieher, Industriekaufmann, among others), Berufliches Gymnasium tracks leading to Abitur, and Fachoberschule programs leading to Fachhochschulreife, mostly tuition-free under public funding schemes.

Product overview

AFBB (Akademie für berufliche Bildung gGmbH) is a network of state-recognized private schools offering a comprehensive portfolio of vocational education and training programs across three locations (Dresden, Berlin, Köln). The institution operates as a unified educational platform with multiple integrated offerings: Berufliches Gymnasium (vocational high school programs leading to Abitur in Biotechnology, Business Economics, and Health/Social Sciences), Fachoberschule (technical college programs leading to Fachhochschulreife in Design, Business Administration, and Health/Social Sciences), dual Ausbildung (vocational training programs in fields including IT, business administration, retail, logistics, healthcare, and social pedagogy), and supplementary programs like Ferienakademie (holiday courses) and international internship opportunities. The institution functions as a unified educational provider rather than a modular software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Berufliches Gymnasium - Gesundheit und Sozialwesen Three-year vocational high school program leading to the General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur), with a focus on health and social sciences. Targets secondary school graduates seeking Abitur with a vocational orientation.
• Berufliches Gymnasium - FR Wirtschaftswissenschaft Three-year vocational high school program with business economics specialization leading to Abitur with supplementary qualifications. Targets students seeking Abitur with a business administration focus.
• Berufliches Gymnasium - FR Biotechnologie Three-year vocational high school program with biotechnology specialization leading to Abitur. Targets students pursuing STEM-focused higher education entry.
• Fachoberschule - Gesundheit und Soziales Two-year technical college program leading to Fachhochschulreife (University of Applied Sciences Entrance Qualification) with a focus on health and social work.
• Fachoberschule - Wirtschaft und Verwaltung Two-year technical college program leading to Fachhochschulreife with specialization in economics and administration.
• Fachoberschule - für Gestaltung Two-year technical college program with design specialization leading to Fachhochschulreife.
• Erzieher (m/w/d) - Berufsbegleitend Four-year part-time in-service training program for early childhood educators, tuition-free, leading to state-registered 'Bachelor Professional in Sozialwesen'. Targets working adults in social/educational settings.
• Erzieher (m/w/d) - Vollzeitschulisch Three-year full-time school-based training program for educators with integrated practical placements.
• Erzieher (m/w/d) - Köln Three-year training program for educators in Cologne with focus on movement education in cooperation with Landessportbund NRW.
• Erzieher (m/w/d) - Praxisintegriert (PIA) Practice-integrated educator training program combining school-based learning with employment in a social-educational facility.
• Fachinformatiker (m/w/d) Three-year dual vocational training for IT specialists with specializations in System Integration or Application Development.
• Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik (m/w/d) - Dresden Three-year dual vocational training for logistics specialists covering goods handling, storage, transport, and supply chain management.
• Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik (m/w/d) - Berlin Three-year dual vocational training for logistics specialists in Berlin with additional qualifications in foreign trade and inventory management.
• Fachlagerist (m/w/d) - Berlin Two-year dual vocational training for warehouse specialists covering goods receipt, storage, picking, packaging, and shipping.
• Fachlagerist (m/w/d) - Dresden Two-year dual vocational training for warehouse specialists covering logistics processes, goods handling, and quality assurance.
• Immobilienkaufmann (m/w/d) Three-year dual vocational training for real estate managers covering property management, lettings, facility administration, and real estate marketing.
• Industriekaufmann (m/w/d) - Dresden Three-year dual vocational training for industrial business managers covering business processes, procurement, production planning, and sales with international internship.
• Industriekaufmann (m/w/d) - Berlin Three-year dual vocational training for industrial business managers with international internship and Europass Mobility.
• Kaufmann für Büromanagement (m/w/d) - Dresden Three-year dual vocational training for office managers covering administrative tasks, accounting, marketing, and event management.
• Kaufmann für Büromanagement (m/w/d) - Berlin Three-year dual vocational training for office managers with specialization in international marketing and a second foreign language.
• Kaufmann für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement (m/w/d) - Dresden Three-year dual vocational training for wholesale and foreign trade managers with international internship and Europass Mobility certificate.
• Kaufmann für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement (m/w/d) - Berlin Three-year dual vocational training for wholesale and foreign trade managers with 4-week international internship.
• Kaufmann im Einzelhandel (m/w/d) - Dresden Three-year dual vocational training for retail managers covering sales, merchandise management, customer service, and marketing.
• Kaufmann im Einzelhandel (m/w/d) - Berlin Three-year dual vocational training for retail managers with additional qualifications in Business English and sustainability projects.
• Sozialassistent (m/w/d) - Dresden Two-year full-time vocational training as social assistant with practical placements, leading to eligibility for educator training.
• Sozialassistent (m/w/d) - Berlin Two-year full-time school-based training as social assistant with additional qualifications in intercultural education.
• Sozialassistent (m/w/d) - Köln Two-year training as social assistant with 16 weeks of practical placements in various social work fields.
• Kinderpfleger (m/w/d) - Praxisintegriert (PIA) Two-year practice-integrated training as childcare worker with integrated practical work 2-3 days per week at a daycare facility.
• Kinderpfleger (m/w/d) - Vollzeitschulisch Two-year full-time school-based training as childcare worker with block practical placements.
• Pflegefachmann (m/w/d) Three-year generalist nursing training covering all sectors of care (elderly, hospital, ambulatory, pediatric, psychiatric) leading to EU-recognized qualification.
• Verkäufer (m/w/d) - Dresden Two-year dual vocational training for sales assistants covering customer service, merchandise handling, and sales promotion.
• Verkäufer (m/w/d) - Berlin Two-year dual vocational training for sales assistants with block-based instruction at the school.
• Ferienakademie Free holiday courses for students from grade 8 onwards, covering biotechnology, retail, game programming, graphic design, and social care themes. Serves as a recruitment funnel into full training programs.
• Lehrstellenbörse Berlin Online portal listing open apprenticeship positions from partner companies in the Berlin region, operated by AFBB's Lehrstellenservice Berlin to match students with training companies.
• Auslandspraktikum International internship program with Europass Mobility documentation for students across various training programs, supporting cross-border workplace learning.

Quantifiable outcome

• 140 graduates transitioned from vocational training to employment (Dresden Berufsschule class of 2026)

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AWV Akademie für Wirtschaft und Verwaltung GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFBB is part of an Unternehmensverbund (group of companies) with AWV Akademie für Wirtschaft und Verwaltung GmbH and Fachhochschule Dresden. The three institutions form an integrated educational group covering vocational training, continuing professional education, and higher education (Fachhochschule).
• Fachhochschule Dresden - Private Fachhochschule GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFBB operates within an Unternehmensverbund (group of companies) with Fachhochschule Dresden, a private university of applied sciences. The group provides a seamless pathway from vocational training through to higher education, enabling students to progress from AFBB programs to Fachhochschule studies.
• Europäischer Sozialfonds für Deutschland (ESF)minorOthersAFBB receives funding and support from the European Social Fund for Germany (ESF). The ESF logo appears in the partner section of the website, indicating ESF co-financing of AFBB's operations and programs.
• Erasmus+minorOthersAFBB participates in the Erasmus+ program, enabling student mobility and international exchanges. The Erasmus+ logo appears in the partner section of the website.
• iMOVE NetworkminorOthersAFBB is listed as a partner of the iMOVE Network, a German network promoting international vocational training cooperation. The iMOVE logo appears in the partner section of the website.
• Einzelhandel Hamburg (EHK)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as an Ausbildungspartner (training partner) for the Verkäufer program in Dresden. Provides apprenticeship placements for retail trainees.
• Bildungseinrichtungen für Pflege (Pflege partner schools)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAFBB works with multiple partner institutions for practical training placements in its Pflegefachmann (nursing) program. Photos on the program page show partner facilities for clinical placements.
• Kibulu-Erziehungshilfen GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNamed as a Kooperationspartner (cooperation partner) supporting the quality of AFBB's Erzieher training program. Provides practical training placements in the social education sector.
• Landessportbund NRWminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for the Erzieher program in Köln, offering a specialization in Bewegungserziehung (movement education) in cooperation with the Landessportbund NRW (State Sports Association of North Rhine-Westphalia).
• Staatsschauspiel DresdenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFBB's Fachoberschule für Gestaltung (design upper secondary school) cooperated with the Staatsschauspiel Dresden (State Drama Theatre) on a Christmas 2022 project involving stage design and prop-making. Students created scenery and props for the theatre as part of a cross-disciplinary project.
• AlloheimminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCare services provider thanked as a partner for AFBB's Ferienakademie course 'Sozial in Aktion'. Provided support for the practical social care component of the holiday program.
• Jugendtreff UpstairsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth center thanked as a partner for AFBB's Ferienakademie course 'Sozial in Aktion'. Contributed to the practical social care component of the holiday program.
• Umweltzentrum DresdenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnvironmental center in Dresden partnered with AFBB's FOS Gestaltung students for a team project day in September 2022 focused on botanical nature conservation and garden work.
• Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz e.V.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArt and culture association partnered with AFBB's Berufliches Gymnasium students on the 'Anfachen Award 2020', a poster design competition on the theme of 'Water' using original graphic print techniques.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• DAA Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie: DAA is one of Germany's largest private vocational education and training providers, offering Berufsschule equivalent programs, Umschulung, and continuing education across many German cities — comparable to AFBB in mission (vocational credentials) and target market (German dual training ecosystem).
• bbw Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft: bbw is a major Bavarian vocational education network offering dual Ausbildung, Berufsschule, and continuing education with strong corporate employer partnerships — comparable to AFBB in employer-aligned dual training model and vocational program breadth, though primarily regional to Bavaria.
• WBS Training: WBS Training is a German vocational education provider with nationwide presence delivering retraining, continuing education, and commercial training — comparable to AFBB in Bildungsgutschein-funded model and target customer base of career changers and entry-level professionals.
• IBB Institut für Berufliche Bildung: IBB is a major German private vocational education provider offering retraining and continuing education programs funded by Bildungsgutschein and other public mechanisms — directly comparable to AFBB in funding model (public subsidies), target customer (career changers and entry-level trainees), and broad program breadth.
• Euro Akademie: Euro Akademie is a German private vocational school group operating multiple state-recognized Ersatzschulen with programs in social pedagogy, healthcare, and business — directly comparable to AFBB's state-recognized freie Trägerschaft model and program portfolio across similar occupational categories.
• Ludwig Fresenius Schulen: Ludwig Fresenius Schulen is part of a larger education group offering vocational training in social, health, and therapeutic professions — directly comparable to AFBB's Erzieher, Pflegefachmann, and Sozialassistent programs and state-recognized school status.
• Eckert Schulen: Eckert Schulen is a leading German private vocational school group offering Berufskolleg, Fachoberschule, and dual Ausbildung programs — directly comparable to AFBB's mix of Berufliches Gymnasium, Fachoberschule, and dual vocational training across multiple German states.
• DEKRA Akademie: DEKRA Akademie is the vocational training arm of DEKRA, delivering certified vocational and continuing education programs across Germany — comparable to AFBB in program breadth, multiple-location footprint, and focus on certified qualifications for working professionals and trainees.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: TÜV Rheinland Akademie delivers certified vocational and continuing education programs across multiple German cities — comparable to AFBB in multi-city footprint, certified qualification focus, and corporate training partnerships.
• Bernd Blindow Schulen: Bernd Blindow Schulen operates a network of private vocational schools in Germany covering health, social, business, and design tracks — highly comparable to AFBB in program categories (Erzieher, Pflege, business) and state-recognized freie Trägerschaft operating model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/afbb-akademie-fuer-berufliche-bildung

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Akademie für berufliche Bildung gGmbH (AFBB)