Gartenbauschule OESCHBERG

What Gartenbauschule OESCHBERG does

Gartenbauschule Oeschberg is Switzerland's leading vocational education institution for horticulture, landscape construction, and floristry, operating as a public department (Abteilung) of Bildungszentrum Emme (BZ Emme) under the supervision of the Canton of Bern's Bildungs- und Kulturdirektion. Founded on November 4, 1920, on the Affolter estate bequeathed to the Ökonomisch-Gemeinnützige Verein des Amtes Burgdorf, the institution delivers a complete educational pathway from a one-year pre-vocational bridge program (Vorlehre) through two- and three-year EBA/EFZ certifications, the four-semester full-time Dipl. Gartenbautechniker/-in HF program (the only such full-time offering in German-speaking Switzerland), and master-level federal examinations (BP/HFP). Programs are delivered by approximately 26 staff on a 10-hectare heritage-listed campus in Koppigen that integrates a baroque park designed by Albert Baumann, demonstration gardens, greenhouse complexes, dormitories, and co-located tenants including the Fachstelle für Obst und Beeren (Inforama), the Schweizerische Gemüsezentrale (SZG), and the ÖGA biennial trade fair organizer.

The product portfolio comprises vocational education (Grundbildung) in garden and landscape construction, plant production, and floristry; higher vocational education (Höhere Berufsbildung) including the HF technician diploma, professional examination preparation (Gärtner/-in mit eidg. Fachausweis, Gartenbauführer/-in JardinSuisse), and the master gardener diploma (Gärtnermeister/-in mit eidg. Diplom); plus three operational service lines: the Blumenladen retail flower shop, the Mensa cafeteria, and event/venue hosting (seminars, weddings, corporate events up to 200 persons). Pricing is structured around multi-semester tuition contracts (CHF 13,360 for Gartenbauführer, CHF 15,800 for BP preparation, CHF 18,600 for the HF program, CHF 19,900 for HFP preparation), with federal subsidies (Subjektfinanzierung) reimbursing approximately 50% of professional examination preparation fees upon completion. The institution also operates the Bachblütenlehrpfad educational trail and an Erasmus+ international exchange program.

Revenue is generated from four streams: tuition and training fees for vocational and continuing education; on-campus retail through the Blumenladen and Mensa; event and accommodation services; and parking fees (CHF 5/day weekdays, free weekends). Primary capital flows originate from the Canton of Bern budget and Swiss federal subsidies via SBFI, with accounts managed through the public education system rather than published as standalone revenue. Marketing and recruitment rely on the institutional website, organic social media (Instagram, LinkedIn), annual Tag der offenen Tür open days, Schnupperlehre trial apprenticeships, school counseling, and a partner network anchored by JardinSuisse, Gärtner Bern, Florist.ch, Grüne Berufe Schweiz, and the Friends association (FVGSO). As a government-state entity, the institution is not privately owned, not venture-backed, and not publicly traded.

Name

Gartenbauschule OESCHBERG

Legal name

Gartenbauschule Oeschberg – eine Abteilung des Bildungszentrums Emme

Website

https://oeschberg.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Switzerland's leading vocational education institution for horticulture, landscape construction, and floristry. Founded in 1920, it operates as a department of Bildungszentrum Emme under the Canton of Bern, offering vocational and continuing education programs on a 10-hectare heritage-listed campus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Horticultural Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Subject-Specific Short Courses & Academies (e.g., STEM, Business, Arts) (EDAIAIAC)

Keywords

• Vocational horticulture education
• Landscape construction training
• Florist vocational training
• Plant production training
• Horticultural technical school

Headquarters

HQ city

Koppigen

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Training Fees: The school charges tuition fees for vocational education programs (Grundbildung) and continuing education courses (Höhere Berufsbildung). Basic education students do not receive a salary during their on-campus training; external internship wages follow industry guidelines.
2. On-campus Services: Revenue from the on-site flower shop (Blumenladen), cafeteria (Mensa), and event hosting services for external customers
3. Higher Education Program Fees: Full-time technical school program (Dipl. Gartenbautechniker/-in HF) with stated cost of CHF 18,600 per course; continuing education courses charged separately with 50% federal subsidy possible
4. Vocational Exam Preparation Courses: Modular professional examination preparation courses (Berufsprüfung, Höhere Fachprüfung) with fees ranging from CHF 13,360 to CHF 19,900, partially subsidized by the Swiss federal government

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Gartenbauschule Oeschberg is a publicly operated Swiss vocational school delivering horticulture, landscape construction, plant production, and floristry education from pre-apprenticeship through master craftsman level. The school runs federally recognized EFZ and EBA apprenticeships, a higher professional school (HF) for garden construction technicians, continuing education certificates, and supplementary offerings through its Blumenladen Oeschberg retail flower shop and Gastro, Wohnen & Events venue services.

Product overview

Gartenbauschule Oeschberg is a vocational and continuing education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs in horticulture, landscape construction, and floristry. The portfolio consists of three main pillars: (1) Vocational education programs (Grundbildung) including EFZ (3-year) and EBA (2-year) certifications in Garden and Landscape Construction, Plant Production, and Floristry, plus a bridging program (Vorlehre); (2) Higher vocational education (Höhere Berufsbildung) including the HF Technician diploma, professional examination preparations (Fachausweis, Gartenbauführer), and the master gardener diploma (Gärtnermeister); and (3) Service operations including a campus flower shop (Blumenladen), dining/hospitality services, and event venue rental. The institution functions as a full-time school and training workshop where Berufsschule (vocational school), Betrieb (training company), and overbetriebliche Kurse (inter-company courses) are co-located on the Oeschberg campus in Koppigen, Bern. The school also operates the Erasmus+ international exchange program and hosts the Bachblütenlehrpfad (Bach flower educational trail) as an educational attraction.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gärtner/-in EFZ Garten- und Landschaftsbau Three-year federally recognized apprenticeship (EFZ) in landscape construction and gardening, for individuals pursuing a vocational qualification in landscape construction.
• Gärtner/-in EBA Garten- und Landschaftsbau Two-year basic vocational training (EBA) in landscape construction and gardening, for individuals seeking a shorter entry-level vocational qualification in landscape construction.
• Gärtner/-in EFZ Pflanzenproduktion Three-year federally recognized apprenticeship (EFZ) in plant production, for individuals pursuing a vocational qualification in nursery and plant cultivation work.
• Gärtner/-in EBA Pflanzenproduktion Two-year basic vocational training (EBA) in plant production, for individuals seeking an entry-level vocational qualification in nursery and plant cultivation work.
• Florist/-in EFZ Three-year federally recognized apprenticeship (EFZ) in floristry, for individuals pursuing a vocational qualification in retail floristry and floral design.
• Vorlehre Gartenbau / Pflanzenproduktion Pre-apprenticeship year in horticulture / plant production, designed to prepare candidates for subsequent EFZ/EBA vocational training and bridge school-to-work readiness.
• Dipl. Gartenbautechniker/-in HF Higher professional school (HF) diploma program for garden construction technicians, for working professionals seeking advanced technical and managerial qualifications in landscape construction.
• Gärtner/-in mit eidg. Fachausweis Federally certified advanced qualification (Berufsprüfung) for gardeners, for working horticulture professionals pursuing an Eidg. Fachausweis certification.
• Gartenbauführer/-in JardinSuisse JardinSuisse-recognized certification for garden construction foremen, for professionals preparing to lead garden construction teams.
• Gärtnermeister/-in mit eidg. Diplom Master gardener program with federal diploma (Höhere Fachprüfung), for experienced horticulture professionals seeking the highest trade qualification.
• Blumenladen Oeschberg On-campus retail flower shop offering floral arrangements, retail flowers, and related floristry products to walk-in consumers; also serves as a practical training environment for floristry apprentices.
• Gastro, Wohnen & Events Campus-based gastronomy, accommodation, and event venue services offered to external organizations and individuals for events, seminars, and overnight stays.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successful completion of vocational qualifications (EBA/EFZ) and professional examinations (BP/HFP) leading to recognized Swiss federal certifications

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bildungszentrum Emme (BZ Emme)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBZ Emme is the parent organization of Gartenbauschule Oeschberg. Oeschberg is a department of BZ Emme, located in Burgdorf. BZ Emme provides administrative, organizational, and shared services including counseling, disability accommodations, extended general education, talent development, and IT infrastructure.
• Gärtner BerncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGärtner Bern is the course center operating on the Oeschberg campus. They coordinate continuing education courses and elective modules for gardeners, as referenced on the school's website.
• JardinSuissecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Swiss garden industry association serves as the quality assurance commission (QSK) for professional examinations. JardinSuisse decides on recognition of module completions and admission to Berufsprüfung (BP) and Höhere Fachprüfung (HFP). Offers Gartenbauführer/-in JardinSuisse certification.
• Florist.chminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss florist association providing industry standards and professional guidelines for floristry training programs.
• InforamaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated on the Oeschberg campus. Inforama's Fachstelle für Obst und Beeren (FOB) is co-located on the Oeschberg estate, working in alignment with the Affolter foundation's mandate for agriculture and horticulture.
• Schweizerische Zentralstelle für Gemüsebau und Spezialkulturen (SZG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss center for vegetable growing and specialty crops, located on the Oeschberg campus. Continues the legacy of the Affolter foundation's commitment to exemplary agriculture and horticulture.
• ÖGA (Öschberger Gartenbau-Ausstellung)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe biennial Swiss garden trade fair (ÖGA) is organized from the Oeschberg site. The fair showcases innovations in the green industry and is open to trade visitors.
• Grüne Berufe SchweizminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational platform for green profession education in Switzerland, providing information and coordination for vocational training in horticulture and related fields.
• Freunde der Gartenbauschule Oeschberg (FVGSO)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFriends association supporting the school through advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. Helps promote the school and its mission.
• PH BernminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPädagogische Hochschule Bern (PH Bern) - University of Teacher Education in the Canton of Bern. Partners on educational pedagogy and teacher training standards.
• Eidgenössisches Hochschulinstitut für Berufsbildung (EHB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. Provides framework guidelines and quality standards for vocational education programs.
• Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (SBFI)minorOthersState Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. Oversees federal subsidies for professional examination preparation courses under Subjektfinanzierung.
• Bildungs- und Kulturdirektion des Kantons BerncoreOthersEducation and Culture Directorate of Canton Bern. Supervises public education institutions in the canton including Gartenbauschule Oeschberg.
• Höhere Fachschulen Kanton BernminorOthersNetwork of higher vocational schools in Canton Bern, of which the HF program at Oeschberg is a member.
• educaswiss.chminorOthersSwiss education and scholarship information portal providing financial support guidance to students.
• ODEC – Schweizerischer Verband der dipl. HFminorOthersSwiss association of diploma HF graduates, providing professional development and networking for holders of higher vocational diplomas.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Inforama: Bernese agricultural and horticultural education center co-located on the Oeschberg campus (Fachstelle für Obst und Beeren). Provides complementary specialty training in fruit and berry cultivation adjacent to Oeschberg's horticulture programs.
• Strickhof: Cantonal vocational education center in Canton Zürich covering agriculture, horticulture, and food science. Direct competitor for apprentices and continuing education students in the German-speaking Swiss green industry market.

Regional players

• BBZN Hohenrain: Agricultural education center in Canton Lucerne providing vocational training in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields. Operates a comparable apprenticeship and continuing education portfolio in central Switzerland.
• Plantahof: Cantonal agricultural school in Graubünden offering vocational and continuing education for green professions. Comparable scale and curriculum to Oeschberg but serves the eastern Swiss market.
• Arenenberg: Agricultural education center in Canton Thurgau offering vocational and continuing education for agriculture and horticulture. Comparable program structure serving a different Swiss canton with similar apprenticeship-track model.
• Liebegg: Agricultural school in Canton Aargau offering vocational education and continuing courses in agriculture and horticulture. Direct peer in curriculum structure but serves the Aargau region.
• Wallierhof: Cantonal agricultural education center in Canton Solothurn offering vocational training for green professions. Comparable program offerings and target student population in an adjacent canton.

Broad incumbents

• Bildungszentrum Emme (BZ Emme): Parent organization of Gartenbauschule Oeschberg and broader cantonal education center in Burgdorf. Operates overlapping vocational programs in the Emme region and provides administrative, IT, and counseling infrastructure to Oeschberg.

Others

• Schweizerische Zentralstelle für Gemüsebau und Spezialkulturen (SZG): Swiss center for vegetable growing and specialty crops co-located on the Oeschberg campus. Adjacent institutional partner rather than competitor, but shares infrastructure and student exposure to specialty horticulture.
• JardinSuisse: Swiss professional association for the garden industry that serves as Oeschberg's quality assurance commission for professional examinations. Not a direct competitor but a strategic ecosystem partner that sets industry standards and certification requirements for Oeschberg graduates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gartenbauschule-oeschberg
• Instagraminstagram.com/oeschberg1.0

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Gartenbauschule OESCHBERG