Carl-Hofer-Schule

What Carl-Hofer-Schule does

Carl-Hofer-Schule (Berufliche Schule am Lidellplatz) is a state-funded public vocational school (Berufliche Schule) in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, operated by the State of Baden-Württemberg with no tuition fees (kein Schulgeld). The school delivers a broad portfolio spanning vocational orientation (AVdual, VAB, VABO), one-year vocational foundation schools (1BFD for printing/media, 1BFT for fashion/room design), full-time vocational programmes (three-year Berufskolleg Grafikdesign with Print/Web and Animation specializations; two-year Berufskolleg Foto & Medien), continuing education (Fachschule für Druck- und Medientechnik / Techniker leading to Bachelor Professional), dual vocational apprenticeships across 17 trades (textile crafts, floristry, hairdressing, horticulture, media design, printing, bookbinding, saddlery, upholstery, interior decoration), and the three-year Berufliches Gymnasium with design and media technology focus delivered in cooperation with Carl-Engler-Schule for the Abitur qualification.

The school's core infrastructure consists of specialised physical workshops rather than a proprietary software platform: a textile workshop (Textilwerkstatt), printing and media workshop, professional photo and video studio, greenhouse and adjacent school garden, and free access to the Adobe Creative Suite for media-track students. It operates from a landmark-protected building (denkmalgeschütztes Gebäudes) at Adlerstraße 29, Karlsruhe (Lidellplatz). Enrollment is processed through the Baden-Württemberg state-wide BewO portal and dual apprenticeships are delivered via the regulated German dual system in partnership with local businesses (Ausbildungsverträge). International cooperation includes ERASMUS+ partnerships (Nottingham Schools, UK) and bilateral academic agreements with Gobelins l'École de l'Image (Paris) and Middlesex University London for graphic design students.

Revenue is derived from state educational budgets and ancillary in-kind support (free Adobe licences, free tablets, subsidised accommodation for distant students); the school charges no commercial tuition and discloses no revenue, funding rounds, or headcount. Operational continuity is corroborated by 18 pages of news items dated through 2026, ongoing teacher recruitment, and active community participation (Europa-Tag, Lidellplatzfest, Pride Month 'CHS bekennt Farbe'). Ownership and control rest with the Baden-Württemberg Schulbehörde (state education authority).

Name

Carl-Hofer-Schule

Legal name

Carl-Hofer-Schule - Berufliche Schule am Lidellplatz

Website

https://carl-hofer-schule.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Carl-Hofer-Schule is a state-funded public vocational school (Berufliche Schule) in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, offering tuition-free vocational, dual-apprenticeship, Gymnasium, and continuing-education programmes across creative trades including media design, printing, textile, floristry, horticulture, and hairdressing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Junior Colleges (6112)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Personal Enrichment & Creative Arts Programs (EDAAAEAG)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Dual apprenticeship training
• Creative media design
• Technical school programs
• Berufliche weiterbildung

Headquarters

HQ city

Karlsruhe

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, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. State-Funded Public Education: As a public vocational school (Berufliche Schule) in Baden-Württemberg, the school operates as a state-funded educational institution with no tuition fees (kein Schulgeld). Revenue is derived from government educational funding rather than commercial revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Carl-Hofer-Schule is a public vocational school that delivers state-certified vocational and academic education across creative, media, technical, and craft disciplines. Its offerings include full-time Berufskolleg programs (Grafikdesign, Foto & Medien), the Berufliches Gymnasium (Abitur track in design and media technology), the Fachschule für Druck- und Medientechnik (Techniker), vocational preparation programs (AVdual, VAB, VABO), one-year Berufsfachschulen, and 17 dual apprenticeship trades spanning textile crafts, floristry, hairdressing, horticulture, media design, printing, and bookbinding.

Product overview

Carl-Hofer-Schule is a vocational school (Berufliche Schule) offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs across multiple career clusters. The institution operates as a multi-program platform offering: (1) vocational orientation programs (AVdual, VAB, VABO) for career preparation; (2) one-year vocational foundation schools (1BFD for printing/media, 1BFT for fashion/room design); (3) full-time vocational programs including the 3-year Berufskolleg Grafikdesign (Print/Web and Animation specializations) and 2-year Berufskolleg Foto & Medien; (4) continuing professional education through the Fachschule für Druck- und Medientechnik (Techniker); (5) dual vocational training across 17 occupations including textile crafts (tailors, upholsterers), floristry, hairdressing, horticulture, media design, printing, and bookbinding; and (6) the Berufliches Gymnasium for Abitur with a design and media technology focus. Programs also provide pathways to higher qualifications including Fachhochschulreife and Bachelor Professional. The school emphasizes creative fields (media design, textile, floristry) and maintains strong practical orientation through workshops, studios, and industry partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Duale Ausbildungsvorbereitung (AVdual) A preparatory program combining internships and school-based learning that helps youth find vocational training placements, focusing on career orientation and professional development across up to three different occupational fields. Targeted at school-obligated youth who have not yet secured an apprenticeship.
• Vorqualifizierungsjahr Arbeit/Beruf (VAB) A pre-qualification year program providing vocational preparation and introduction to the working world for youth who have not yet found an apprenticeship placement, offering foundational skills and career orientation support.
• Vorqualifizierungsjahr Arbeit/Beruf ohne Deutschkenntnisse (VABO) A pre-qualification program for youth without German language skills, offering language qualification (A2 or B1 standards), cultural orientation, and career orientation support to facilitate integration into the vocational training system.
• 1-jährige Berufsfachschule Druck und Mediengestaltung (1BFD) A one-year full-time vocational school providing foundational training in printing and media professions, qualifying students for the second year of dual apprenticeship in printing and media occupations.
• 1-jährige Berufsfachschule Mode und Raumgestaltung (1BFT) A one-year full-time vocational school offering foundational training in sewing and textile techniques, qualifying students for shortened apprenticeships in textile, fashion, and room design professions.
• 3-jähriges Berufskolleg Grafikdesign A three-year full-time program leading to the qualification of Staatlich geprüfte/r Grafikdesigner/in, with specializations in Print/Web and Animation, optionally combined with Fachhochschulreife.
• Berufskolleg Foto & Medien A two-year full-time program qualifying students as photo and media technical assistants, combining professional certification with Fachhochschulreife acquisition. Includes free tablet and free Adobe Creative Suite access.
• Fachschule für Druck- und Medientechnik (Techniker) A three-year part-time continuing education program for mid-level management positions in the printing and media industry, leading to Staatlich geprüfte/r Techniker/in and Bachelor Professional in Technik qualifications. AZAV certified.
• Berufliches Gymnasium - Schwerpunkt Gestaltung und Medientechnik A three-year upper secondary school leading to Abitur qualification, with a focus on design and media technology, covering graphic design, media design, web design, product design, and animation. Operated in cooperation with Carl-Engler-Schule Karlsruhe.
• Änderungsschneider/-in (Tailor/Alteration Specialist) A two-year dual apprenticeship program focused on repairing and altering garments, part of the textile crafts training cluster.
• Buchbinder/-in Handwerk (Bookbinder - Craft) A three-year dual apprenticeship focused on single and small-series production, manual skills, and repair of books and printed materials within the craft bookbinding trade.
• Florist/-in (Florist) A three-year dual apprenticeship in floristry, creating floral arrangements for various occasions and seasons, with block-based instruction at the school.
• Friseur/-in (Hairdresser) A three-year dual apprenticeship in hairdressing, covering hair care, styling, coloring, and beauty services, with stretched final examination (gestreckte Gesellenprüfung).
• Gartenbaufachwerker/-in (Horticultural Specialist Worker) A three-year dual apprenticeship with focus on practical gardening work for individuals with learning difficulties, funded through employment agency rehabilitation programs.
• Gärtner/-in Produktionsgartenbau (Gardener - Production Horticulture) A three-year dual apprenticeship specializing in plant cultivation and sales, with specializations in ornamental plants, fruit growing, perennial plants, nursery stock, or vegetable production.
• Gärtner/-in Garten- und Landschaftsbau (Gardener - Landscape Architecture) A three-year dual apprenticeship in garden and landscape construction, covering outdoor work with materials like stone, wood, and metal, and plant installation.
• Maßschneider/-in (Custom Tailor) A three-year dual apprenticeship for producing individual clothing, part of the textile crafts training cluster.
• Mediengestalter/-in Digital und Print (Media Designer - Digital and Print) A three-year dual apprenticeship with specializations in Design Conception, Digital Media, Print Media, and Project Management, covering typography, printing techniques, web design, photography, and marketing.
• Medientechnologe/-in Druck (Media Technologist - Printing) A three-year dual apprenticeship for producing printed materials using various printing machines and processes, with specializations in sheet printing, roll printing, and digital printing.
• Medientechnologe/-in Druckverarbeitung (Media Technologist - Print Processing) A three-year dual apprenticeship in print processing and finishing, covering the transformation of printed paper into end products like books, brochures, posters, and packaging.
• Polsterer/-in (Upholsterer) A three-year dual apprenticeship in room upholstery, combining modern craft techniques with historical upholstery methods and high-tech materials.
• Polster- und Dekonäher/-in (Upholstery and Deco Seamstress) A two-year dual apprenticeship in upholstery and decorative sewing, part of the room design training cluster.
• Raumausstatter/-in (Interior Decorator) A three-year dual apprenticeship covering textile and elastic floor coverings, upholstery, curtains, wall and ceiling cladding, and light, sight, and sun protection systems.
• Sattler/-in (Saddler) A three-year dual apprenticeship in leather crafting, traditionally for horses and now primarily for vehicle interiors.
• Textil- und Modenäher/-in (Textile and Fashion Sewer) A two-year dual apprenticeship in textile and fashion sewing, part of the textile crafts training program.
• Textil- und Modeschneider/-in (Textile and Fashion Designer) A three-year dual apprenticeship for producing textile products and fashion items, part of the textile crafts training cluster.

Quantifiable outcome

• State-certified qualifications (e.g., Staatlich geprüfte/r Grafikdesigner/in, Staatlich geprüfte/r Techniker/in)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Gobelins l'École de l'Image ParisminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011School partnership with the renowned French graphic design and image arts school, providing international exchange opportunities for graphic design students.
• Arbeitsförderung gGmbH (afka)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal provider of school social work services (Schulsozialarbeit). Employs social workers Sabine Heitmann and Manuel Schoch who are available to students for personal crises, family problems, workplace issues, conflicts, bullying, addiction, financial difficulties, and referrals to specialized services. Located at Daimlerstraße 8, Karlsruhe.
• Middlesex University LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic cooperation providing study abroad opportunities and international exposure for BKGD (Berufskolleg Grafikdesign) students.
• Carl-Engler-Schule KarlsruhecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose cooperation for the Berufliches Gymnasium program. Carl-Hofer-Schule provides artistic-creative competence and media equipment; Carl-Engler-Schule provides general education components and leads students to Abitur. The partnership combines strengths of both institutions.
• Nottingham Schools (UK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERASMUS+ partnership providing international exchange opportunities. Students from Nottingham visit CHS for work experience.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Handwerkskammer Bildungszentren: Craft chamber training centers (Handwerkskammer Bildungszentren) deliver dual vocational training for crafts trades across Germany, including several trades Carl-Hofer-Schule covers (textile, bookbinding, floristry, hairdressing, saddlery). Operates at broader regional/national scale as part of the German chamber system.
• DAA Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie: Large national provider of vocational continuing education and retraining (Umschulung) across Germany with hundreds of locations. Overlaps with Carl-Hofer-Schule's Fachschule Techniker continuing education and VAB/AVdual orientation segments, but operates commercially at national scale.
• F+U Berufsfachschulen: Private vocational school operator (F+U Gruppe) based in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, offering Berufsfachschule programs, Fachhochschulreife, and continuing education. Comparable program mix but private commercial funding model and broader regional reach within Baden-Württemberg.
• SRH Berufsfachschulen: Private vocational school network operated by SRH (a major German education provider) offering Berufsfachschule and Fachschulprogramme across multiple states. Broader incumbent with similar credential offerings but private funding model and multi-state footprint.
• IHK Bildungszentrum Karlsruhe: Chamber of Commerce training center delivering vocational education and continuing education in the IHK-regulated occupations (including media design and printing technology). Operates as a broader incumbent in the same geographic market with overlapping program scope.

Direct peers

• Max-Eyth-Schule Stuttgart: Public vocational school in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, offering technical and design-oriented Berufliche Schule programs. Comparable as a state-funded creative/technical vocational school within the same regulatory framework and state funding system as Carl-Hofer-Schule.
• Heinrich-Hertz-Schule Karlsruhe: Large public vocational school in Karlsruhe offering technical and commercial Berufliche Schule programs. Directly comparable as a Berufliche Schule in the same city serving similar student segments (Hauptschulabschluss/Mittlere Reife holders seeking vocational qualifications) with state funding and dual training pathways.
• Berufskolleg Köln-Mülheim: Large public vocational school in NRW with comparable multi-trade portfolio including media design, printing, and creative vocational programs. Operates under the German Berufskolleg system with similar dual training and full-time vocational pathways, though in a different state regulatory environment.
• Carl-Engler-Schule Karlsruhe: Public vocational school in Karlsruhe that is Carl-Hofer-Schule's closest cooperation partner. The two schools jointly deliver the Berufliches Gymnasium program, with Carl-Engler-Schule providing general education and Abitur components and Carl-Hofer-Schule providing design/media specialization. Comparable in governance, funding model, and dual training portfolio.

Regional players

• Wilhelm-Ostwald-Schule: Vocational school in the Baden-Württemberg region offering technical and media programs under similar state regulatory framework. Comparable in funding model and dual training structure but serves a different catchment area and program mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carl-hofer-schule

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 Carl-Hofer-Schule