Berufskolleg Niederberg

What Berufskolleg Niederberg does

Berufskolleg Niederberg (BkN) is a public vocational school established in 1873 and operated by the Kreis Mettmann school district in Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, formally designated "Berufskolleg Niederberg des Kreises Mettmann - Europaschule, Schule der Sekundarstufe II." The institution delivers secondary-level vocational education to students from Velbert, Heiligenhaus, Wülfrath, and the broader Kreis Mettmann region, and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023 with a project week and public events.

The school's portfolio spans three core pillars: the dual vocational training system (Berufsschule) combining company apprenticeships with classroom instruction across electronics, mechatronics, automotive, metalwork, and business/administration tracks; full-time vocational programs (Vollzeitschulische Bildung) leading to Fachhochschulreife, Mittlere Reife, or Hauptschulabschluss; and Fachschule advanced qualifications for working professionals, including Bachelor Professional certification, Ausbilderschein, and SAP/DATEV credentials. Supporting offerings include the ZDI-Schülerlabor "Technik4ME" student laboratory (operating since September 2015, with 280+ courses delivered to 3,400+ students and a 10-year anniversary in 2024), Zusatzqualifikationen (Handelsassistent, Internationales Marketing, Fremdsprachen, EDV-Führerschein NRW), and BkN Spezial programs (NFTE entrepreneurship, GigS, peer tutoring, annual Berufsinformationsveranstaltung career fair attracting 1,200+ students and 180+ professionals).

As a publicly funded institution, Berufskolleg Niederberg charges no tuition and operates on a government-budget revenue model administered by Kreis Mettmann. Digital infrastructure comprises Moodle LMS, WebUntis scheduling, and Microsoft SharePoint intranet, while teaching assets include Smartboards, iPads, laptops, VR headsets, 3D printers, CNC machines, Fischertechnik automation models, and Microsoft Visual Studio. The Europaschule designation supports Erasmus+ international placements and transnational projects (C-Alearn, HANSE) with partner schools in Austria, Netherlands, France, and Sweden. Operational partnerships with regional manufacturers — Heismann Drehtechnik, Titania Fabrik, ACROSS Solutions, Feldmann Türsysteme, and KFV/SIEGENIA (SIEGENIA GRUPPE) — supply apprenticeship positions, facility tours, and Förderverein support. The school is led by Oberstudiendirektor Frank Flanze as Schulleiter.

Name

Berufskolleg Niederberg

Legal name

Berufskolleg Niederberg des Kreises Mettmann - Europaschule, Schule der Sekundarstufe II

Website

https://berufskolleg-niederberg.de

Company type

Public

Founded year

1873

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Berufskolleg Niederberg is a publicly funded German vocational school in Velbert, operated by Kreis Mettmann since 1873. It delivers dual vocational training, full-time secondary education, Fachschule programs, and a regional STEM student laboratory.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education

NAICS

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

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce & Career Transition Noncredit Programs (EDAAAEAC), College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK)

Keywords

• Vocational education services
• Dual training programs
• Technical apprenticeships
• STEM student laboratory
• Career orientation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Velbert

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Vocational Education Services: As a public vocational school (Berufskolleg) maintained by Kreis Mettmann, the school provides educational services funded primarily through public taxation and government education budgets. Students attend free of tuition.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Berufskolleg Niederberg is a public vocational school (Berufskolleg) operated by the Kreis Mettmann district that delivers tuition-free vocational education and training. Core offerings include dual vocational training (duales System) combining company-based apprenticeships with school instruction, full-time vocational programs leading to Fachhochschulreife or Mittlere Reife, technical and business Fachschule programs leading to Bachelor Professional certification, and supplementary qualifications (SAP, DATEV, Ausbilderschein, international marketing). The ZDI-Schülerlabor Technik4ME provides hands-on STEM courses for secondary school students.

Product overview

Berufskolleg Niederberg operates as a multi-faceted vocational education institution offering a unified but modular portfolio of educational products and services. The core offerings include the dual system Berufsschule (combining company-based vocational training with theoretical schooling), Vollzeitschulische Bildung (full-time vocational programs for Fachabitur), and Fachschule für Wirtschaft und Technik (technical/business colleges leading to Bachelor Professional). These are supplemented by Zusatzqualifikationen (additional certifications in areas like international marketing, foreign languages, and accounting software such as SAP and DATEV). The ZDI-Schülerlabor Technik4ME provides STEM courses for external secondary school students, while BkN Spezial offers special programs including the annual Berufsinformationsveranstaltung (BIV) career fair, NFTE entrepreneurship education, and the Beachmanager business simulation. International programs through Erasmus+ and the Europaschule designation round out the portfolio. Digital infrastructure is provided through Moodle LMS, WebUntis scheduling, and SharePoint intranet. All offerings are integrated under the school's mission to prepare students for regional employment ('Schlüssel zur Region').

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Berufsschule (Duales System) Vocational training combining practical apprenticeship in companies with theoretical schooling, covering trades such as Electronics/Mechatronics/Automotive, Metal Technology, and Business/Administration for students in the dual education system.
• Vollzeitschulische Bildung Full-time vocational education programs for students seeking Fachabitur (university entrance qualification), including Höhere Handelsschule (ITA) and programs leading to Mittlere Reife (secondary school graduation) or Hauptschulabschluss.
• Fachschule für Wirtschaft und Technik Technical and business colleges offering advancement to Bachelor Professional qualification, including evening classes with SAP, DATEV training, and Ausbilderschein (trainer qualification) for working professionals.
• ZDI-Schülerlabor (Technik4ME) Student laboratory offering MINT (STEM) courses for secondary school students in areas of electrical engineering, robotics, 3D printing, automotive, construction, and metalworking, with approximately 3,400 participants in over 280 courses since 2015.
• Europa/International Programs European programs including Erasmus+ international internships, C-Alearn entrepreneurship projects, and international study trips, positioning the school as a Europaschule with international cooperation in Kufstein, Twente, Arras, Dublin, Stockholm, and Rotterdam.
• Zusatzqualifikationen (Additional Qualifications) Supplementary certifications including Handelsassistent (Commercial Assistant), Foreign Languages, State Computer License (EDV-Führerschein NRW), International Marketing, and combined Ausbildung with Fachhochschulreife for vocational students.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,400+ students have used ZDI-Schülerlabor for career exploration
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Heismann Drehtechnik GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 August 2023Precision machining company founded in 1918, offering apprenticeships in machining, logistics, mechatronics, and industrial management. Provides regular facility tours for interested students, internships from 1 day to 4 weeks, and supports the school's Förderverein financially.
• Titania Fabrik GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Wülfrath cosmetics manufacturer offering apprenticeships in technical and commercial fields, company tours, and internship placements. Supports Fachschule für Technik project work and awards best project presentations. Also member of Förderverein.
• ACROSS Solutions in MetalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Prototyping and laser technology company specializing in automotive, aerospace, and medical technology. Provides apprenticeships, facility tours, and personal exchange with employees and management. Produced school logo sign. CEO Kevin Eberhardt is BkN alumnus.
• Feldmann Türsysteme GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Door systems manufacturer for buses and delivery vehicles with 100 employees. Offers apprenticeships in machining, product design, and industrial management. Signed cooperation agreement and Förderverein membership.
• KFV Karl Fliether GmbH & Co. KG (SIEGENIA GRUPPE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Locking systems manufacturer for doors and windows, market leader in Germany. Provides apprenticeships in metalworking (conventional and CNC), control technology, and electrical engineering. Has modern training center for initial education.
• BohleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing company providing additional apprenticeship and cooperation opportunities for students.
• Realschule Heiligenhaus (UNESCO-Projektschule)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing school partnership with Beachmanager business simulation project. 10-year anniversary of cooperation celebrated in 2024. Provides pathway for students transitioning from secondary school to vocational education.
• Realschule Kastanienallee, VelbertcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Beachmanager project partnership with business simulation competition. Joint activities including classroom visits and project work.
• zdi-Netzwerk Kreis MettmanncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral coordination for MINT (STEM) education in Kreis Mettmann. ZDI-Schülerlabor is part of zdi network with other student laboratories including TEClab and NeanderLAB.
• Rotary Club VelbertminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAwards social engagement and best graduates with prize money. Supports school's award ceremonies and student recognition programs.
• DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegular blood donation drives held at school with DKMS stem cell registration. School community participates in life-saving donation activities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie (DAA): Largest national adult and vocational education provider in Germany, offering workforce development, continuing education, and certified vocational programs across multiple states; relevant benchmark for BkN's Fachschule and continuing-education segments.
• DIHK / IHK-Akademie: Federation of German Chambers of Commerce and its IHK-Akademie network deliver certified vocational training and apprenticeship coordination across Germany — directly comparable organization for dual-vocational-training governance.

Regional players

• NeanderLAB (zdi-Netzwerk Kreis Mettmann): ZDI student laboratory in the Kreis Mettmann zdi network with a STEM-course portfolio for secondary students that directly overlaps with Technik4ME offerings.
• TEClab (zdi-Netzwerk Kreis Mettmann): ZDI student laboratory operating in the same Kreis Mettmann zdi network as BkN's Technik4ME, offering parallel STEM-outreach courses for secondary students and competing for the same regional zdi funding pool.

Direct peers

• Friedrich-List-Berufskolleg Bad Salzuflen: Public vocational school in NRW with comparable Berufsschule/Vollzeitschulische Bildung/Fachschule structure and Erasmus+ participation, providing a like-for-like benchmark for program depth and outcome metrics.
• Max-Born-Berufskolleg Recklinghausen: Public vocational school in NRW operating the same Berufskolleg model with dual-system Berufsschule, Vollzeitschulische Bildung, and Fachschule programs serving a comparable regional population — the closest like-for-like comparator.
• Heinz-Berufskolleg Hagen: Public NRW Berufskolleg in Hagen offering dual vocational training and full-time vocational education across technical and commercial tracks; near-direct comparator to BkN's portfolio in another mid-sized NRW city.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/berufskolleg_niederberg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/berufskolleg-niederberg

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Berufskolleg Niederberg