FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V.

What FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V. does

FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V. is a regionally-focused vocational and continuing education institution founded in 1950 in Kassel, Germany, and registered as a non-profit association (eingetragener Verein, VR 871) in the Kassel Local Court. The institution is the official examination and training center for IHK Kassel-Marburg, delivering IHK-certified master craftsman (Industriemeister) programs in four technical disciplines — Elektrotechnik, Mechatronik, Metall, and Kunststoff/Kautschuk — plus Logistikmeister, Technischer Fachwirt, and the advanced Technischer Betriebswirt qualification. Beyond master-level certifications, FTK operates a complete quality management certification pathway (QM-Fachkraft through Qualitätsauditor, including recertification), the AEVO trainer certification (Ausbildereignung), and short-format leadership and key competency courses, with multiple study formats (full-time 16-week intensive, part-time, weekend, shift-accompanying) and online/blended participation.

The institution serves primarily working professionals in Northern Hesse's industrial and manufacturing sectors who hold completed vocational training and seek advancement to supervisory or managerial roles through IHK-recognized credentials at DQR Level 6–7. Its platform architecture is straightforward: in-person classroom delivery at four physical campuses (Kassel headquarters, Baunatal, Frankenberg, Korbach) supplemented by online/blended participation for select courses, with marketing conducted through social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Xing), information evenings, a callback service, and SEO. Revenue is generated exclusively through tuition fees, ranging from €250 for short recertification courses to €6,300 for full master craftsman programs; FTK is VAT-exempt under §4 Nr. 21a UStG and circa 60 graduates completed programs in 2025.

The business model is a direct-to-consumer (with employer sponsorship) GTM targeting individual professionals, with secondary B2B demand from manufacturing and industrial companies in Northern Hesse that sponsor employee training. The institution holds multiple accreditations — AZAV (allowing government-funded training), TQCert (QM personnel certification), and the Weiterbildung Hessen e.V. quality seal — supported by a network of operational partners including Continental, Viessmann, Volkswagen Group Academy, SMA Solar Technology AG, and Kasseler Sparkasse. The organization operates with a lean staff of 10 employees coordinating a network of freelance instructors, with governance provided by a five-member board (Vorsitzender Bernd Schellenberger, Stellv. Vorsitzender Lars Bruchhäuser, Julia Oberlies, Michael Donges, Hannelore Kessler-Dippel) under School Director Olga Koch.

Name

FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V.

Legal name

Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V.

Website

https://ftk-kassel.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V. is a 75-year-old, Kassel-based registered association (e.V.) and official IHK examination center delivering IHK-certified master craftsman, specialist, business administrator, and quality management training to working professionals in Northern Hesse's industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training and Continuing Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Train-the-Trainer & Instructor Enablement Services (BPAEANAL)

Keywords

• Vocational training services
• Industrial master craftsman courses
• Continuing education programs
• IHK certified training
• Quality management certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Kassel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Professional Training Course Fees: FTK generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for its vocational training and continuing education courses, including Industriemeister (industrial master craftsman), Fachwirt (specialist), and Betriebswirt (business administrator) programs. Prices range from €250 for short refresher courses to €6,300 for full master craftsman programs. FTK is VAT-exempt under §4 Nr. 21a UStG.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

FTK is a vocational and continuing education institution that delivers IHK-certified master craftsman courses (Industriemeister) in four technical disciplines — Elektrotechnik, Mechatronik, Metall, and Kunststoff/Kautschuk — plus the Logistikmeister program, and career advancement certifications (Technischer Fachwirt, Technischer Betriebswirt). It also provides a complete quality management certification pathway (QM-Fachkraft through Qualitätsauditor, including recertification), trainer certification (Ausbildereignung/AEVO), and key competency courses for working professionals in industrial and manufacturing sectors across Northern Hesse.

Product overview

FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V. is a vocational and continuing education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of certified training programs. The core offering consists of IHK-certified master craftsman courses (Industriemeister) in four technical disciplines: Elektrotechnik, Mechatronik, Metall, and Kunststoff/Kautschuk, plus Logistikmeister. Additional career advancement programs include Technischer Fachwirt and the advanced Technischer Betriebswirt certification. Specialized Fachkurse encompass trainer certification (Ausbildereignung), a complete quality management certification pathway (QM-Fachkraft through Qualitätsauditor, including recertification), and key competency training for leadership. The institution offers multiple study formats (full-time, part-time, weekend, and work-integrated) and provides access to government funding programs including Aufstiegs-BAföG and the Hessian advancement bonus of €3,500.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gepr. Industriemeister/in Elektrotechnik IHK IHK-certified industrial master craftsman program in electrical engineering preparing participants for leadership positions in production management, manufacturing, and training. Covers technical infrastructure, organizational management, cost accounting, and personnel leadership. Priced at €6,300 (excluding books) for ~1,000 instruction hours.
• Gepr. Industriemeister/in Mechatronik IHK IHK-certified industrial master craftsman program specializing in mechatronics, combining mechanical, electrical, and control engineering disciplines for advanced manufacturing and automation leadership roles.
• Gepr. Industriemeister/in Metall IHK IHK-certified industrial master craftsman program for metalworking trades covering production technology, manufacturing techniques, assembly technology, and operational management. Available in multiple formats: Vollzeit (full-time 16 weeks), part-time, weekend, and work-integrated. Participation in Präsenz and Online formats possible.
• Gepr. Industriemeister/in Kunststoff/Kautschuk IHK IHK-certified industrial master craftsman program specializing in plastics and rubber processing, preparing participants for supervisory roles in polymer manufacturing operations.
• Gepr. Logistikmeister/in IHK IHK-certified logistics master craftsman program focusing on warehouse management, supply chain operations, and logistics leadership within industrial settings.
• Gepr. Technische/r Fachwirt/in IHK IHK-certified technical business specialist program combining technical expertise with business management competencies for supervisory positions in technical organizations.
• Gepr. Technische/r Betriebswirt/in IHK Advanced IHK certification for technical business management, the highest level of IHK continuing education. Qualifies graduates for executive and management positions in industrial and technical enterprises.
• Ausbildereignung nach AEVO Train-the-trainer certification program qualifying participants to formally train apprentices and manage vocational education programs in accordance with German apprenticeship regulations (Ausbildereignungsverordnung).
• Praktische AEVO-Prüfungsvorbereitung Practical examination preparation course for the Ausbildereignung (train-the-trainer) certification, focusing on the practical demonstration components of the AEVO exam.
• QM-Fachkraft (Qualitätsmanagement-Fachkraft) Quality management specialist certification covering quality inspection, documentation, auditing methods, and regulatory frameworks. TQCert-accredited; certification valid for 5 years.
• QM-Beauftragte/r (Qualitätsmanagement-Beauftragte/r) Quality management officer certification teaching quality inspection, documentation, auditing, and regulatory compliance. Supports management in establishing and maintaining QM systems. Certification valid for 3 years.
• Interne/r Qualitätsauditor/in (IQA) Internal quality auditor certification focusing on ISO 9001:2015 compliance auditing methods and effectiveness evaluation of existing quality management systems.
• Qualitätsmanager/in (QM) Quality manager certification covering comprehensive QM system implementation, DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 standards, and organizational quality leadership. TQCert-accredited; certification valid for 3 years.
• Qualitätsauditor/in (QA) External quality auditor certification building on QM manager training, focusing on effectiveness testing of QM systems from an external organizational perspective.
• Rezertifizierung (QM-Refresher) One-day recertification course for quality management personnel (QB, IQA, QA, QM) to extend certifications by an additional 3 years. Covers updates to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 standards and risk management concepts. Priced at €250 plus TQCert GmbH certification fee.
• Besprechungen erfolgreich moderieren Key competency training course developing skills in effective meeting facilitation and leadership communication techniques.
• Führen von Teams Leadership training program focusing on team management skills, coaching methodologies, and supervisory competencies for operational managers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75 years of continuous operation and thousands of trained professionals in the region

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• APV Zertifizierungs GmbHminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• ContinentalminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• 3dimetikminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• Energie aus der Mitte (EAM)minorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• GE Grid GmbHminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• Günther HeisskanaltechnikminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• RGM Exper Site GmbHminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• SMA Solar Technology AGminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• ViessmannminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• Volkswagen Group AcademyminorOthersListed as a cooperation partner on FTK's website. Nature of cooperation not explicitly detailed beyond partner listing.
• Kasseler SparkassecoreOthersFinancial supporter of FTK's educational work. Provided a generous financial contribution supporting FTK's educational mission and 75th anniversary graduation ceremony held on July 11, 2025.
• IHK Kassel-MarburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial examination partner — FTK is the official examination and training center for IHK Kassel-Marburg. All FTK certifications are IHK-recognized Fortbildungsprüfungen (continuing education examinations) conducted under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG).

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• WBS Training: Private vocational training provider delivering IHK-certified Meister, Fachwirt, and Betriebswirt courses plus technical certifications across Germany. Competes for the same working-professional audience as FTK, with a heavier online learning emphasis.
• DEKRA Akademie: One of Germany's largest private vocational and continuing education providers, offering IHK-certified Industriemeister, Fachwirt, and Betriebswirt courses plus QM certifications across multiple locations. Comparable to FTK in both curriculum and certification authority, but far larger in scale and geographic reach.
• Provadis (Hoechst): Industry-affiliated vocational training provider offering Industriemeister, Fachwirt, and technical certifications with strong industrial sector relevance. Comparable to FTK's curriculum focus and IHK examination pathway, anchored in a major industrial region.
• DAA Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie: Major national vocational education provider offering IHK-certified Meister, Fachwirt, and Betriebswirt courses plus QM training. Directly comparable in scope and certification offerings, with hundreds of locations across Germany giving it broader reach than FTK's regional footprint.
• IHK Bildungszentrum: Chamber-affiliated training centers operated by IHKs across Germany, offering identical Meister, Fachwirt, and Betriebswirt courses. Directly comparable to FTK in curriculum and certification authority, often competing for the same candidates in northern Hesse.
• TÜV SÜD Akademie: International technical services group's training arm offering QM, ISO, and industrial certification courses. Comparable to FTK's TQCert QM pathway, with the same corporate-adjacent academic positioning and national delivery footprint.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: National technical training provider offering QM, quality auditing, and industrial certifications. Competes directly with FTK's TQCert-accredited QM pathway and serves similar industrial/technical audiences, though with broader geographic coverage and a more diversified portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Haufe Akademie: National professional development provider offering Betriebswirt, management, and QM certifications alongside a much broader corporate training portfolio. Comparable on the management/QM certification side, but with a different primary customer base (corporate vs. individual working professionals).

Emerging players

• ComCave College: Digital-first vocational training provider offering IHK-recognized certifications and Meister preparation with a strong online/hybrid delivery model. An emerging direct competitor for FTK's online/blended course offerings, with more sophisticated learning technology.

Regional players

• BBW Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft: Large Bavarian vocational education network offering Meister, Fachwirt, and technical certifications in close partnership with regional industry. Highly comparable in mission and curriculum to FTK, but operates exclusively in Bavaria rather than Hesse.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/employees
• Facebookfacebook.com/FTK.Kassel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ftk-fachschule-f%C3%BCr-technik-kassel-e-v
• Instagraminstagram.com/ftk.kassel

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 FTK - Fachschule für Technik Kassel e.V.