Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim

What Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim does

Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim is a public commercial vocational school (kaufmännische Berufsschule) operated by the City of Pforzheim under the legal supervision of Regierungspräsidium Karlsruhe, serving approximately 1,600 students across the Pforzheim and Enzkreis district in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It delivers a portfolio of full-time preparatory programs (AVdual, BfW), business colleges (BK I, BK II, BK Fremdsprachen, BK Wirtschaftsinformatik) leading to the Fachhochschulreife, and part-time Berufsschule instruction for commercial apprentices across roughly eight recognized Ausbildungsberufe including E-Commerce, retail, office management, and medical/dental assisting. The school operates on a public-funding revenue model — tuition is free, with operating costs covered by state and municipal allocations — and supplements activities through the Ludwig-Erhard-Akademie e.V. support association and an unusually deep student-run enterprise ecosystem.

The school's core differentiator is its practical-business training layer, anchored by four active Juniorenfirmen (Projektshop LES, Germany's oldest Juniorenfirma operating since 1993; Local-EXPO-Services; LES Clever BEEs; Sell4U/Coffeeshop LES), the Chainz GmbH jewelry practice firm, and the LES Bistro. Technology infrastructure is standard for schools in the region: Novell Filr-based private cloud (LES Cloud), Microsoft Teams for remote learning, WebUntis electronic class register, and Moodle LMS, with Arduino/Tinkercad used for hands-on IT projects in the BK Wirtschaftsinformatik program. Distribution is entirely in-person at the Pforzheim campus, with enrollment handled via the state-wide BewO portal and direct school applications. The school received Erasmus+ accreditation in February 2026, enabling its first European mobility programs starting in Autumn 2026, representing a notable geographic expansion beyond its regional catchment.

Name

Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim

Legal name

Ludwig-Erhard-Schule

Website

https://les-pforzheim.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim is a public commercial vocational school in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, serving ~1,600 students with programs from Hauptschulabschluss preparation to Fachhochschulreife and dual apprenticeship pathways across eight commercial occupations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education

NAICS

Business and Secretarial Schools (611410)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

Keywords

• Vocational education services
• Commercial training programs
• Apprenticeship training
• Business college programs
• Secondary education

Headquarters

HQ city

Pforzheim

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Public State Funding: As a public vocational school maintained by the City of Pforzheim, the school's primary revenue derives from state and municipal public funding, covering teaching operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure.
2. Förderverein (Academy Memberships & Donations): The Ludwig-Erhard-Akademie (school's support association) generates revenue through member subscriptions, donations, and sales of the annual school yearbook, supplementing activities beyond core educational mandates.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim is a public commercial vocational school (kaufmännische Berufsschule) delivering full-time vocational preparation programs (AVdual, BfW), business college programs (BK I, BK II, BK Fremdsprachen, BK Wirtschaftsinformatik), part-time Berufsschule apprenticeship training (Kaufleute im E-Commerce, Einzelhandel, Medizinische Fachangestellte, Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte, etc.), and post-vocational pathways (BKFH, Wirtschaftsoberschule). The school is distinctive for its student-run Juniorenfirmen (practice firms) and Übungsfirma Chainz GmbH, providing hands-on commercial training. All programs are delivered at the Pforzheim campus under public school governance.

Product overview

Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim is a commercial vocational school (kaufmännische Berufsschule) offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs. The core offerings include full-time vocational programs (AVdual, BfW) for students seeking Hauptschulabschluss or Mittlere Reife, as well as Berufskollegs (BK I, BK II, BK Fremdsprachen, BK Wirtschaftsinformatik) leading to Fachhochschulreife. A distinctive feature is the extensive Juniorenfirma/Übungsfirma program where students operate real and practice businesses (Projektshop LES, Local EXPO Services, LES CleVER BEEs, Sell4U, Coffeeshop LES, and Übungsfirma Chainz GmbH). Supporting infrastructure includes LES Cloud (Filr) for file management and WebUntis for class administration. The school also operates LES Bistro, a student-run cafeteria. Programs are primarily for German-speaking students in the Pforzheim region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Projektshop LES: Student-run project shop selling exam preparation materials, operating since 1993
• Local-EXPO-Services
• LES CLEVER BEEs
• Sell4U
• Coffeeshop LES
• Chainz GmbH
• LES Bistro

Products and services

• AVdual (Duale Ausbildungsvorbereitung) Dual vocational preparation program for students without Hauptschulabschluss or those who have not found an apprenticeship. Combines school education with workplace internships to help students earn a Hauptschulabschluss and find vocational training positions.
• BfW (Berufsfachschule für Wirtschaft) Two-year full-time commercial school program leading to Fachschulreife (middle school-leaving certificate). Students receive commercial training and can improve their Hauptschulabschluss.
• BK I (Kaufmännisches Berufskolleg I) One-year commercial college providing foundational commercial knowledge and practical experience through student companies. Improves chances for commercial apprenticeships.
• BK II (Kaufmännisches Berufskolleg II) Second-year commercial college building on BK I, leading to Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification).
• BK Fremdsprachen (Berufskolleg Fremdsprachen) Commercial college with focus on foreign languages (English and Spanish). Leads to Fachhochschulreife and prepares students for international business activities.
• BK Wirtschaftsinformatik (Berufskolleg Wirtschaftsinformatik) Two-year commercial college specializing in business informatics. Combines commercial education with IT skills (Java programming, databases, web technologies) leading to Fachhochschulreife. Uses Arduino microcontroller platforms and Tinkercad for hands-on electronics and programming projects.
• Juniorenfirmen (Student-run companies) Student-run real businesses operating under the umbrella of Projektshop LES e.V. Includes multiple firms: Projektshop LES (exam preparation materials since 1993), Local EXPO Services (trade fair organization), LES Clever BEEs (apple juice production and exam refreshments), Sell4U (school supplies and bistro), and Coffeeshop LES (beverage service).
• Übungsfirma Chainz GmbH Practice company (fictional business) selling jewelry, operated as a student training company. Simulates commercial operations and participates in the German practice company ring (ZÜF). Patronized by Otto Hutt GmbH.
• LES Bistro School cafeteria operated as a student-run Juniorenfirma, offering snacks, beverages, and refreshments during breaks. Located in Building A.
• Berufsschule Ausbildungsberufe (Apprenticeship Vocational Training) Part-time Berufsschule (vocational school) for apprentices in commercial, retail, and healthcare roles, including Kaufleute im E-Commerce, Einzelhandel, Medizinische Fachangestellte, Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte, Automobilkaufleute, Kaufleute für Büromanagement, Kaufleute für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement, and Steuerfachangestellte. Combines block or weekly school attendance with workplace training.
• BKFH (Berufskolleg Fachhochschulreife) One-year Berufskolleg Fachhochschulreife program that grants the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) in one year for vocational graduates with completed Ausbildung.
• Wirtschaftsoberschule (WO) Two-year program providing the full Abitur (university entrance qualification) for adults with completed vocational training who wish to pursue university study.

Quantifiable outcome

• In AVdual's first year (2019/20), 92 students enrolled; 37 advanced to Berufsfachschule year 2, 38 achieved Hauptschulabschluss
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Projektshop LES e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1993The oldest Juniorenfirma in Baden-Württemberg, operating since 1993 as a student-run company selling exam preparation materials for the Berufsfachschule für Wirtschaft. Serves as the umbrella for the school's practical business education.
• Otto Hutt GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPatenfirma (patron company) of the Chainz GmbH Übungsfirma, providing mentorship and real-business context for the student jewelry distribution practice company.
• CongressCentrum PforzheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the Local-EXPO-Services Juniorenfirma for hosting the annual Übungsfirmenmesse (practice company trade fair) for the Regierungsbezirk Karlsruhe region.
• Parkhotel PforzheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports the Local-EXPO-Services Juniorenfirma in organizing the regional Übungsfirmenmesse.
• Messebauer EBERTminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExhibition construction partner supporting Local-EXPO-Services with trade fair booth construction and logistics.
• EMMA (Kreativzentrum Pforzheim)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEMMA creative center partners with the Chainz GmbH Übungsfirma for product photography workshops, teaching students professional jewelry photography skills.
• Sterneninsel (Kinderhospiz)minorOthersChildren's hospice charity that the Chainz GmbH Übungsfirma supports through regular fundraising and donation campaigns.
• Klingel-GruppecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Germany's largest mail-order companies, operating multiple online shops and employing four E-Commerce Auszubildende at the LES. Pioneer in the region for Kaufmann/Kauffrau im E-Commerce training.
• Heinrich Schmid (Pforzheim)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading crafts business in painting and dry construction, listed as a regional partner of the school for Ausbildung and cooperation.
• Informationszentrum für Zahn- und Mundgesundheit BWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitution of the Baden-Württemberg Dental Association, partnering with the school for the training of Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte.
• NewMediamixminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnline marketing agency that delivered a guest lecture on digital marketing and online sales strategies, providing real-world relevance to the E-Commerce training program.
• Ludwig-Erhard-Akademie e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool's support association (Förderverein) founded in 2002 to strengthen ties between students, businesses, and teachers. Provides funding for extracurricular activities, Lernfirmen, school exchanges, yearbooks, student prizes, and equipment beyond public means.
• Erasmus+ Partner Schools (Europe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean partner institutions enabling student and teacher mobility. First deployment: Dublin, Autumn 2026, for apprentice work placements in Irish companies. The school received Erasmus+ accreditation in February 2026.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Friedrich-List-Schule Karlsruhe: Commercial vocational school in the Karlsruhe technology region offering Berufskolleg and Wirtschaftsinformatik programs. Comparable to LES in scope and curriculum focus on commercial and IT-business pathways within Baden-Württemberg.
• Walter-Eucken-Schule Karlsruhe: Kaufmännische Berufsschule in the Karlsruhe region offering similar commercial vocational programs (Berufskolleg, Wirtschaftsschule). Directly comparable as a neighboring commercial vocational school in Baden-Württemberg with overlapping program offerings and catchment characteristics.
• Berufskolleg Köln: Large Berufskolleg system in North Rhine-Westphalia with kaufmännische programs and BK Wirtschaftsinformatik tracks. Comparable as a German commercial vocational school offering similar IT-commerce and business pathways at scale.
• Max-Weber-Schule Stuttgart: Large kaufmännische Berufsschule in Stuttgart offering AVdual, Berufskolleg, and Wirtschaftsoberschule programs. Comparable as a comprehensive commercial vocational school in Baden-Württemberg with similar multi-pathway curriculum structure.
• Kaufmännische Schule Schwäbisch Hall: Commercial vocational school in Baden-Württemberg offering Berufskolleg and Wirtschaftsoberschule programs. Comparable as a regional commercial Berufsschule with similar program mix and student profile.
• Carl-Schurz-Schule Freiburg: Kaufmännische Berufsschule in Freiburg offering Berufskolleg and BKFH programs. Comparable to LES in commercial vocational curriculum and Baden-Württemberg geographic context.

Others

• Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Federal Employment Agency that conducts Berufsberatung (career counseling) days at LES and cooperates on apprenticeship placement through its Pforzheim office. Ecosystem partner enabling student recruitment rather than direct competitor.
• IHK Nordschwarzwald: Regional Industrie- und Handelskammer that partners with LES for apprenticeship oversight, examination administration, and dual training certification. Ecosystem participant in regional vocational training rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LESPFYou2b
• Instagraminstagram.com/les_pforzheim
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/ludwig-erhard-schule-pforzheim

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries8 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 Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Pforzheim