Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule

What Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule does

The Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule (RFES) is a public vocational school (Berufsschule) founded in 1924 and administered by the Hessian Ministry of Education (Hessisches Kultusministerium). It operates two campuses in the Schwalm-Eder-Kreis region of Hesse, Germany: the main campus in Fritzlar (Schladenweg 41) and a second campus in Homberg (Efze) (Hans-Staden-Allee 12). The school serves Auszubildende (dual vocational trainees), pre-vocational and orientation students, and Fachoberschule (FOS) students pursuing the Fachhochschulreife. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024 and operates as a Selbstständige berufliche Schule (SBS) with the school principal OStD Frank Wetzlaugk and deputy StD Christian Schröder.

RFES delivers dual vocational training across ten professional fields — agriculture, construction, food and hospitality, vehicle technology, color technology and room design, wood technology, metal technology, body care, agricultural engineering, and business and administration — combining classroom instruction at the school with on-the-job training at partner companies (Ausbildungsbetriebe). Full-time programs include the Fachoberschule with Technology and Business/Administration specializations, BÜA (Berufsfachschule zum Übergang in Ausbildung), BzB (Bildungsgang zur Berufsvorbereitung), InteA (integration program for students with migration backgrounds), Mittelstufenschule, and PUSCH. The school is supported by a network of institutional partners including IHK Kassel-Marburg, Kreishandwerkerschaft Schwalm-Eder, Universität Marburg (via the 'Starke Lehrer – Starke Schüler' model project), and international partner schools in the Czech Republic and Austria.

The school is entirely government-funded under the Hessian public education system, with no commercial tuition; costs for materials or external certifications may be borne by students or their training companies. Its technology footprint is limited to a WordPress-based website, Microsoft SharePoint, SchulMoodle, and Schulportal Hessen for digital learning and student account management. Marketing and outreach are conducted through the school website, an official Instagram account (@rfes_offiziell), local press (HNA), regional broadcaster Hessischer Rundfunk, and events such as the Hessentag, the annual Bildungsmesse, and AZUBI-WALK career-orientation walks. The school has been certified as an Umweltschule by the Hessian Ministries of Education and Environment in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and won the VR-Nachhaltigkeitspreis in 2023 and 2024, with a Sto-Stiftung national Bestenwettbewerb win by a painting/coating apprentice in 2024.

Name

Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule

Legal name

Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule

Website

https://rfes.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1924

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule is a public dual vocational school in Hesse, Germany, operating two campuses in Fritzlar and Homberg (Efze) and serving apprentices, pre-vocational students, and Fachoberschule students across ten professional fields under the Hessian Ministry of Education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities (EDAHAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG), Job Readiness Training & Soft Skills Development (EDAKANAD), Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics Management Schools (EDAHAHAF)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Dual training programs
• Technical college education
• Pre-vocational preparation
• Career orientation

Headquarters

HQ city

Fritzlar

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule (RFES) is a public vocational school providing dual vocational training (Berufsschule) that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training in partner companies across 30+ recognized trades including agriculture, construction, vehicle technology, metal technology, color technology, wood technology, body care, food service, and business/administration. The school also offers full-time programs such as the Fachoberschule (FOS) leading to university of applied sciences entrance qualification, and pre-vocational/integration programs (BÜA, BzB, InteA, Mittelstufenschule, PUSCH) for career orientation and integration support, serving young people in the Schwalm-Eder-Kreis region of Hessen, Germany.

Product overview

Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule (RFES) is a dual vocational school operating at two locations (Fritzlar and Homberg/Efze) offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational products. The core offering consists of dual vocational training programs across ten professional fields (Agriculture, Construction, Food/Hospitality, Vehicle Technology, Color Technology, Wood Technology, Metal Technology, Body Care, Business/Administration, and Agricultural Technology). Supporting these are full-time school programs including the Fachoberschule (technical college) providing university entrance qualification, pre-vocational programs (BÜA, BzB, InteA, Mittelstufenschule) for career orientation and integration, and supplementary initiatives like the student company KAORI. The portfolio spans from basic vocational preparation through advanced technical education, serving both local employers and students seeking qualifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Berufsschule (Dual Vocational Training Programs) Dual vocational education programs combining practical training in partner companies with theoretical school instruction across ten professional fields including agriculture, construction, food/hospitality, vehicle technology, color technology, wood technology, metal technology, body care, and business/administration. Designed for young people undertaking Ausbildung across 30+ recognized trades.
• Fachoberschule (FOS) - Technical College Two-year full-time upper secondary school offering specialized programs in Technology (electrical engineering, information technology, mechanical engineering) and Business/Administration (Wirtschaft bilingual), leading to the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification).
• Berufsfachschule zum Übergang in Ausbildung (BÜA) Pre-vocational training program preparing students for apprenticeship through career orientation, basic professional qualifications, and integration support.
• Bildungsgang zur Berufsvorbereitung (BzB) Vocational preparation program providing foundational skills and qualifications for entry into vocational training.
• InteA - Integration durch Anschluss und Abschluss Integration program supporting young people with migration backgrounds in their educational and professional integration into the German vocational education system.
• Mittelstufenschule Intermediate secondary school program offering transitional educational pathways.
• Schülerfirma KAORI - Student Enterprise Student-run enterprise providing practical entrepreneurship education, recognized as one of the best student companies in the state of Hessen.

Quantifiable outcome

• RFES was recognized as Umweltschule (Environmental School) in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 through the joint initiative of the Hessian Kultusministerium and Umweltministerium.
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Partnerschule Kamenice nad Lipou (Tschechien)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Long-standing partner school in Kamenice nad Lipou, Czech Republic (Vysočina region). RFES agricultural students have visited annually for cross-border study trips to learn about Czech vocational agricultural education and visit farming operations. The partnership has been active for at least five years.
• Fachschule für Landwirtschaft Pyhra (Österreich)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Agricultural technical school in Pyhra near St. Pölten, Lower Austria, visited for the first time in October 2023. The school has 350 students in agriculture, food technology, and office/household management, featuring its own farm, dairy, carpentry workshop, and distillery.
• Autohaus DöllminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal automotive dealership that participated in the AZUBI-WALK Berufsorientierung event, opening its doors to BÜA students to showcase automotive training occupations and practical activities.
• Ehring GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal company that participated in the AZUBI-WALK event, providing BÜA students with insights into their operations and training opportunities.
• Kreisverwaltung Homberg (Schwalm-Eder-Kreis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict administration of Schwalm-Eder-Kreis participated in the AZUBI-WALK, offering BÜA students exposure to public administration training occupations.
• KüchenTreff HombergminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal kitchen furniture retailer that participated in the AZUBI-WALK, giving students insights into retail and commercial kitchen sector training.
• LidlminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational retail chain Lidl participated in the AZUBI-WALK event, providing BÜA students with practical insights into the retail sector and commercial training paths.
• Spedition RauterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal logistics company that participated in the AZUBI-WALK and has also hosted visits from RFES students in wholesale and retail management training programs.
• JYSK Logistikzentrum Homberg (Efze)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJYSK's logistics center in Homberg Efze hosted multiple visits from RFES students in wholesale, retail, and logistics management training programs, providing practical insights into logistics operations.
• Partnerschule Pelhřimov (Tschechien)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school from Pelhřimov, Czech Republic, participated in celebrations marking the school's 100th anniversary, indicating an established international school partnership.
• Blue Awareness e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental association founded by Christian Weigand, focused on marine protection and sustainability education. Has conducted multiple presentations and workshops at RFES, including the 'Helden der Meere' (Heroes of the Seas) presentation and 'Schul-Consulting – Ich verändere meine Schule!' workshop.
• Universität Marburg – Prof. Dr. Susann Gessner und TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner leading the Hessian model project 'Starke Lehrer – Starke Schüler' (Strong Teachers – Strong Students). Over nearly three years, the university team implemented teacher training and counseling programs on extremism prevention and democracy education at RFES, one of six participating vocational schools in Hessen.
• Hessisches KultusministeriumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Hessian Ministry of Education is the governing authority for the school, overseeing curriculum, funding, and policy compliance. The ministry jointly runs the 'Umweltschule' certification program with the Hessian Ministry for the Environment.
• Jugendwerkstatt FelsbergminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerYouth workshop organization in Felsberg that assisted in organizing the AZUBI-WALK Berufsorientierung event, helping to coordinate participation of local companies for BÜA student career orientation.
• IHK Kassel-Marburg (Industrie- und Handelskammer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chamber of Industry and Commerce Kassel-Marburg provides career counseling, information sessions on dual vocational training, and access to its Ausbildungsatlas and Lehrstellenbörse (training vacancy platform) for RFES students.
• Kreishandwerkerschaft Schwalm-EdercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal crafts chamber supporting RFES with vocational guidance, providing information on apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades sector (Handwerk) and helping connect students with local training companies.
• Jugendförderung Schwalm-Eder-Kreis (Anna Stiehl)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth promotion agency of Schwalm-Eder-Kreis organized the Kreistagsprojekt (district council project) for FOS 11 students, and co-organized the Europe Days program including a planspiel (simulation) on right-wing populism with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
• Hessischer Rundfunk (HR)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional public broadcaster that covered the school's Zimbabwe aid project during the Hessentag 2024 in a television report, providing media coverage and visibility for the school's international charitable initiatives.
• Deutsche Welle (DW-TV)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational German broadcaster produced a video report 'Fighting extremism at school' featuring RFES's democracy education team, highlighting the school's participation in the 'Starke Lehrer – Starke Schüler' model project, reaching an international audience.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Eckert Schulen: Private vocational school chain offering full-time and dual vocational training across technical, commercial, and trades occupations in Germany. Comparable to RFES in program breadth (technical and economic tracks, trades qualifications) and target student demographic of career-oriented youth.
• DAA Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie: Major nationwide provider of vocational education, retraining, and qualification programs with strong regional branch networks. Directly comparable to RFES as a vocational training provider serving both young entrants and adult learners across multiple occupational fields.
• bbw Bildungswerk der Hessischen Wirtschaft: Non-profit vocational education provider in Hessen offering training and qualification programs closely aligned with the regional economy. Directly comparable to RFES as a Hessen-based dual vocational training provider serving employer demand across trades and business occupations.
• Ludwig Fresenius Schulen: Private vocational school chain with programs in health, commercial, technical, and trades occupations across Germany. Comparable to RFES in program diversity and student demographic, but operates at national scale and competes for adult reskilling demand.
• Euro-Schulen (DRK Bildungswerk): Network of private vocational schools offering training in commercial, technical, healthcare, and language occupations across Germany. Comparable to RFES in delivering multi-track vocational qualifications and integration support, though with a commercial funding model.

Broad incumbents

• DEKRA Akademie: One of Germany's largest private vocational training and certification providers, operating across technical, commercial, and trades occupations. Comparable to RFES in occupational coverage but operates at national scale with commercial pricing and digital delivery models that public Berufsschulen lack.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: Training arm of the global TÜV Rheinland certification group, offering technical, safety, and occupational training in Germany. Comparable as a technical and trades training provider, but broader in scope with industry certification focus and corporate training emphasis.

Others

• IHK Bildungszentrum Kassel-Marburg: Training arm of the regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce serving the same Kassel-Marburg region as RFES. Comparable as an ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor: it provides complementary career counseling, examination services, and supplementary training referenced directly in RFES's own partnership portfolio.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/rfes_offiziell
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reichspr%C3%A4sident-friedrich-ebert-schule

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Reichspräsident-Friedrich-Ebert-Schule