Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule

What Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule does

Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule (RFGS) is a public vocational school (Gewerbeschule) located at Friedrichstraße 51 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, operating under the governance of the Land Baden-Württemberg and the Regierungspräsidium Freiburg. The school offers twelve distinct educational programs spanning the Berufsschule dual vocational system (covering Anlagenmechaniker, Metallbauer, Konstruktionsmechaniker, Industriemechaniker, Feinwerkmechaniker, Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker), two Technisches Gymnasium pathways leading to the Abitur, a Berufskolleg for technical documentation, two Berufsfachschule tracks, two Fachschule technician colleges in machine technology and building systems technology, a Meisterschule SHK for HVAC master craftsman preparation, and two pre-qualification tracks (AVdual and VABKF) for youth without a Hauptschulabschluss. It serves an annual student body producing 181 Berufsschule graduates in 2023 and a teaching staff of over 130 qualified specialists, plus a Friedrichstraße vocational school center jointly run with the Walther-Rathenau-Gewerbeschule.

Technically, RFGS operates a digitally enabled vocational environment running Moodle LMS, WebUntis scheduling, Nextcloud-based intranet, and mailbox.org email, with notable capital equipment including the Lernfabrik 4.0 modular production line and a 2024-acquired labJET A20 waterjet cutting machine from mecanumerica that supports Industry 4.0 and precision-cutting instruction. The institution follows the German dual education model, combining block-schedule classroom instruction with parallel in-company apprenticeships at regional employers such as Deutsche Bahn (which opened a training location at RFGS in December 2024 for railway operations workers), Herrenknecht, Sauter-Cumulus, and Mack Rides. Named after educator Richard Fehrenbach following his death in 1976, RFGS is GDPR- and CCPA-compliant, processes applications through the centralized BewO system and its own online portal, and was recognized as an innolabBS Projektschule in January 2026 for its FAIR project with the University of Stuttgart on school absenteeism.

The school's revenue model is overwhelmingly state-funded: the Land Baden-Württemberg and City of Freiburg provide operating budgets, with the only direct fee being the 700 EUR per school year Meisterschule SHK tuition. The go-to-market is community- and event-led through annual January information evenings, the Jobstartbörse career fair, and digital brochures, while student enrollment flows through centralized state application systems and training-company apprenticeship contracts. Customer segments include vocational students, technical gymnasium students, career advancers pursuing technician and master craftsman qualifications, youth at risk, and apprenticeship partner companies; pricing is structurally subsidized rather than market-priced, reflecting the institution's mandate to address regional skilled-trades shortages rather than to optimize commercial return.

Name

Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule

Legal name

Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule

Website

https://rfgs.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RFGS is a publicly funded German vocational school in Freiburg offering twelve program types — dual Berufsschule apprenticeships, technical Gymnasium, technician colleges, master craftsman preparation, and pre-qualification tracks — serving metal, automotive, HVAC, and building-systems students through state funding and a 130-strong teaching staff.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational and technical education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Sheet Metal Fabrication & Light-Gauge Metalwork Training (EDAOADAD), Technical Universities with Architecture, Built Environment & Design Engineering (EDAHAEAJ)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Dual apprenticeship training
• Technical gymnasium
• Master craftsman school
• Technical college programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Freiburg im Breisgau

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Public vocational school funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg and city of Freiburg. Receives public educational funding for operations.
2. Tuition (Meisterschule): School tuition of 700.00 EUR per school year charged for Meisterschule (master craftsman school) programs. Collected via invoice at start of school year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule is a public vocational and technical school operating 12 distinct educational programmes under the German dual system and state-certified pathways. Offerings include Berufsschule (vocational school in metal, automotive, HVAC and building trades), Technisches Gymnasium and 6-year Technical Gymnasium (Abitur pathway with technical profile subjects), Berufskolleg Technische Dokumentation, Berufsfachschulen (1- and 2-year), Fachschulen for Maschinentechnik and Gebäudesystemtechnik (technician/Bachelor Professional), Meisterschule SHK (master craftsman preparation), and AVdual/VABKF vocational preparation. Teaching combines classroom instruction with workshops featuring a Lernfabrik 4.0 modular production line and waterjet cutting equipment, delivered by approximately 130 specialist teaching staff.

Product overview

Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule is a multi-disciplinary vocational school offering 12 distinct educational programs across vocational training, technical gymnasium, technical colleges, and master craftsman education. The portfolio includes Berufsschule (dual vocational education), Technisches Gymnasium and 6-jähriges Technisches Gymnasium (Abitur pathways with technical focus), Berufskolleg Technische Dokumentation (technical documentation assistant training), Berufsfachschule (1-year and 2-year vocational colleges for metal and automotive trades), Fachschule für Maschinentechnik and Fachschule für Gebäudesystemtechnik (Technician colleges leading to Bachelor Professional), Meisterschule SHK (master craftsman training), and AVdual/VABKF (vocational preparation programs). The school provides approximately 130 teaching staff serving students across metal technology, automotive, HVAC, and building systems disciplines, with modern workshops including a Learning Factory 4.0 and waterjet cutting equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Berufsschule (Vocational School) Dual vocational education providing the theoretical knowledge for skilled trades apprentices in metal, automotive, and HVAC occupations including Anlagenmechaniker, Metallbauer, Konstruktionsmechaniker, Industriemechaniker, Feinwerkmechaniker and Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker; block-scheduled with company apprenticeship.
• Technisches Gymnasium (Technical Gymnasium) Three-year programme leading to the Abitur with technical specialisation, offering four profile subjects: Mechatronik (Mechatronics), Informationstechnik (Information Technology), Technik und Management (Technology and Management), and Gestaltungs- und Medientechnik (Media Design). Includes KMK Fremdsprachenzertifikat B2 in English.
• Sechsjähriges Technisches Gymnasium (6-Year Technical Gymnasium) Six-year technical gymnasium entered after Year 7, leading to the Abitur with practical technical training in modern workshops integrated alongside the standard gymnasium curriculum.
• Berufskolleg Technische Dokumentation (Technical Documentation College) Two-year full-time school training state-certified Technical Documentation Assistants. Combines communication/media technology, design, and mechanical/steel engineering, with a focus on the Industry 4.0 learning factory (Lernfabrik 4.0).
• Management im Handwerk (Handcraft Management) Additional qualification for apprentices with university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife), providing management and business-economics knowledge. Completion qualifies as Management Assistant (HWK) and counts toward the master craftsman examination.
• Einjährige Berufsfachschule (1-Year Vocational College) One-year full-time school preparing students for vocational training, with practical training in automotive technology, precision mechanics, or metal construction. Completion may be recognised as the first year of apprenticeship.
• Zweijährige Berufsfachschule (2-Year Vocational College) Two-year vocational college providing extended general education plus a vocational foundation in metal technology, leading to the Fachschulreife (equivalent to Realschulabschluss) and access to higher vocational schools.
• Fachschule für Maschinentechnik (Machine Technology College) Two-year full-time technical college for machine engineering professionals covering engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and economics, preparing for positions in construction, production, and quality management. Leads to 'Staatlich geprüfter Techniker' and 'Bachelor Professional' title.
• Fachschule für Gebäudesystemtechnik (Building Systems Technology College) Two-year technical college for HVAC, building automation, energy technology, and information technology professionals. Joint programme with Walther-Rathenau-Gewerbeschule. Leads to 'Staatlich geprüfter Techniker' and 'Bachelor Professional' title.
• Meisterschule SHK (Master Craftsman School for HVAC) One-year full-time master craftsman preparation course for plumbing and heating (SHK) technicians. Covers technical, economic, and pedagogical knowledge leading to the Meisterprüfung administered by Handwerkskammer Freiburg; annual tuition of EUR 700 per school year.
• Ausbildungsvorbereitung Dual (AVdual) One-year full-day school for youth with or without Hauptschulabschluss preparing for dual vocational training. Provides insights into HVAC, metal technology, precision mechanics, and automotive trades with German language support.
• Vorqualifizierungsjahr Arbeit/Beruf (VABKF) One-year pre-qualification year for youth without Hauptschulabschluss and with special educational needs, preparing them for metalworking trades through general education and vocational training.

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Deutsche Bahn AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023Deutsche Bahn established a new training location at RFGS for the occupation Eisenbahner:in im Betriebsdienst (railway worker in operations). Two classes with 45 new apprentices started training at the school location. Part of Deutsche Bahn's nationwide training offensive to achieve climate protection goals.
• University of StuttgartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRFGS participates in the FAIR project within innolabBS, working with University of Stuttgart to create reliable data on school absenteeism and develop measures to combat it.
• Regierungspräsidium FreiburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment authority overseeing vocational schools in the Freiburg region. RFGS signed Zielleistungsvereinbarung (performance agreement) with RPF covering topics of respect, integration, and career orientation.
• Freyraum KonzepteminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape architecture firm that guided RFGS students in redesigning the school courtyard. Students built wooden platforms from robinien wood under professional guidance.
• Handwerkskammer FreiburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of Crafts Freiburg is the examining body for Meisterprüfung (master craftsman examination). RFGS Meisterschule prepares students for these examinations.
• Mack Rides GmbH & Co KGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmusement ride manufacturer based in Waldkirch near Freiburg, advertising training positions through RFGS brochure for various technical occupations.
• Handwerkskammer FreiburgcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial examination authority for master craftsman qualifications. RFGS Meister school prepares candidates for examination administered by the chamber.
• Sauter-Cumulus GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding automation company in Freiburg celebrating 100th anniversary in 2025. Provides company visits and employs RFGS graduates as service and commissioning technicians.
• Herrenknecht AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTunnel boring machine manufacturer in Schwanau. Former RFGS student Mario Kuhn organized a visit for technician students to learn about the company and tunnel boring technology.
• Alpenverein / DAV (German Alpine Club)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership since 2015 for the Alpin AG (alpine activity group). DAV provides mountaineering expertise, leadership training, and youth group support. Students learn climbing, glacier travel, and outdoor skills.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• DEKRA Akademie: Major private vocational training provider in Germany offering continuing education and retraining across technical, automotive, and skilled-trade disciplines. Comparable as an alternative pathway for adult learners and career advancers overlapping with RFGS's Fachschule and Meisterschule audiences.
• IHK-BildungsZentrum Freiburg: Industry and commerce chamber training center in the Freiburg region offering vocational continuing education and industry certifications. Comparable as a regional training provider serving apprentices and career advancers in overlapping technical fields.

Direct peers

• Werner-von-Siemens-Schule Berlin: Major Berlin vocational school offering technical Berufsschule, Berufskolleg, Fachschule, and Technisches Gymnasium programs in metal, electrical, and information technology. Comparable as a state technical Gewerbeschule with similar program breadth to RFGS, but in a much larger urban market.
• Carl-Benz-Schule Gaggenau: State vocational school in Baden-Württemberg offering technical and industrial training programs (including Berufsschule, Technisches Gymnasium, and Berufskolleg) in the Gaggenau region. Comparable as a regional technical Gewerbeschule in the same state education system.
• Walther-Rathenau-Gewerbeschule Freiburg: Co-located vocational school at Friedrichstraße 51, sharing the same campus and administration with RFGS. Operates the joint Fachschule für Gebäudesystemtechnik with RFGS and offers complementary technical/vocational programs, making it the most direct operational peer.

Regional players

• Heinrich-Haus-Schule Neuwied: Recognized German vocational/technical training institution in Rhineland-Palatinate offering Berufsschule, Berufskolleg, and Fachschule programs. Comparable as a public technical vocational school in a different German region with similar program architecture.

Others

• Handwerkskammer Freiburg Bildungsakademie: Chamber of Crafts training arm administering the Meisterprüfung for which RFGS's Meisterschule SHK prepares students. Comparable as a vocational/continuing education provider in the same region and trades, but operating as a chamber body rather than a state school.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/richard-fehrenbach-gewerbeschule

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Richard-Fehrenbach-Gewerbeschule