ZukunftPlus E.V.

What ZukunftPlus E.V. does

ZukunftPlus E.V. is a non-profit social enterprise (eingetragener Verein) founded in 2003 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, that delivers vocational preparation, language training, pedagogical support, and learning bridge programs to individuals in career transition and to enterprise clients, most prominently Deutsche Bahn AG. The organization operates from 11+ city locations across Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Kassel, Hannover, Leipzig, Erfurt, Bruchsal, Witzenhausen, Duisburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, and others) and supports approximately 2,500 participants annually, with 20,000+ participants served since founding. Service delivery is conducted on-site at partner company facilities and at the organization's own training centers, with access to programs facilitated through referrals from public employment agencies, schools, and corporate HR departments rather than through direct consumer sales.

The business model is commissioning-based, generating revenue exclusively through public and corporate contracts rather than through any proprietary technology platform or commercial product sales. Primary commissioning bodies include the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), regional Jobcenter offices, the Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie (Berlin Senate), and the Berufsförderungsdienste der Bundeswehr (Bundeswehr career transition services). Deutsche Bahn AG — the founding partner established by DB Bildung management — commissions flagship programs including Chance plus (vocational preparation, ~170 participants/year, ~5,500 lifetime places) and Lifehacks4U (pedagogical accompaniment for DB apprentices), with DB Regio, DB InfraGO AG, and DB Services all participating. The offered portfolio comprises four core service lines (Berufsvorbereitung, Sprachtrainings, Pädagogische Begleitung, Lernbrücken) and four sub-programs (Chance plus, Einsteigen, Lifehacks4U, Integrationslots:innen), with a network of 4,000+ partner companies (Kooperationsbetriebe) supporting apprenticeships, retraining, and placement.

Operated with 30 employees and led by Managing Director Natja Berg (appointed September 2018), the organization is AZAV-certified and DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 certified by QUACERT, satisfying the regulatory requirements for publicly funded employment programs in Germany. Its competitive moat is anchored by the deep, multi-decade lock-in with Deutsche Bahn AG, the nationwide operational footprint, and the ecosystem of public and corporate partners. There is no proprietary technology platform, no AI/ML capability disclosed, and no external investors or shareholders — the entity is a member-governed association under German law.

Name

ZukunftPlus E.V.

Legal name

ZukunftPlus e.V.

Website

https://zukunftplus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ZukunftPlus E.V. is a Berlin-based non-profit social enterprise founded in 2003 that delivers vocational preparation, language training, and pedagogical support programs primarily commissioned by Deutsche Bahn AG, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, and regional Jobcenter offices across 11+ German cities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Education and Training Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Employment & Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs (EDAAAOAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Refugee, Crisis & Humanitarian Education Partnerships (EiE) (EDADALAG)

Keywords

• Vocational preparation
• Language training
• Workforce integration
• Pedagogical support
• Educational programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-funded program contracts: ZukunftPlus E.V. generates revenue primarily through commissioned programs funded by public institutions, including the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, regional Jobcenter, Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie (Berlin), and the Berufsförderungsdienste der Bundeswehr. Programs such as Chance plus and Einsteigen are commissioned by these entities to deliver vocational preparation, language training, and integration support.
2. Corporate commissioned programs: Deutsche Bahn AG commissions ZukunftPlus E.V. for programs such as Lifehacks4U, Chance plus, and integration support, directly funding pedagogical accompaniment and vocational qualification programs for DB employees and trainees.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ZukunftPlus E.V. is a non-profit association that delivers vocational preparation, language training, pedagogical support, and workforce integration programs primarily for young people and migrants in Germany. The organization operates educational and social programs commissioned by public sector clients to support participants in transitioning into education, training, and employment.

Product overview

ZukunftPlus E.V. is a non-profit social enterprise offering a portfolio of educational and vocational support services rather than a unified technology product. The core offerings include Berufsvorbereitung (vocational preparation), Sprachtrainings (language training), Pädagogische Begleitung (pedagogical support), and Lernbrücken (learning bridges). These are delivered through specialized sub-programs including Chance plus (a vocational preparation program for youth under 25), Einsteigen (Berlin-based program for school completion), Lifehacks4U (pedagogical support for Deutsche Bahn apprentices), and Integrationslots:innen (support for international professionals). The organization acts as a service provider for people and businesses, connecting individual competencies with company needs to promote social participation and combat skilled labor shortages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Chance plus Vocational preparation and integration program targeting young people to support their transition into education, training, and employment.
• Einsteigen Program supporting participants in entering vocational training or the labor market, commissioned by public sector partners.
• Lifehacks4U Educational program providing practical life and learning skills support for young participants.
• Integrationslots:innen Integration mentoring program supporting migrants and refugees with orientation and integration into German education and labor systems.
• Berufsvorbereitung Vocational preparation training course preparing participants for apprenticeships and employment.
• Sprachtrainings Language training courses offered to participants to improve German language proficiency for education and employment readiness.
• Pädagogische Begleitung Pedagogical support service providing individual accompaniment and counseling to participants in education and training programs.
• Lernbrücken Educational bridge program helping participants close learning gaps and transition between educational stages.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000+ participants supported since founding in 2003
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Deutsche Bahn AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeutsche Bahn AG is the founding partner and primary corporate client of ZukunftPlus E.V., established in 2003 by DB Bildung management. DB AG commissions Chance plus (vocational preparation, ~170 participants/year), Lifehacks4U (pedagogical accompaniment for trainees), and integration programs. The Chance plus program is a fixed component of the DB Nachwuchskräftestrategie (junior talent strategy). Approximately 5,500 places have been offered through Chance plus. DB Regio, DB InfraGO AG, and DB Services are all involved.
• Bundesagentur für ArbeitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Federal Employment Agency has worked with ZukunftPlus E.V. for years, commissioning numerous programs for people in vocational transition. Programs are listed on the agency's KursNet portal. The agency provides funding and referrals for participants across Germany.
• Jobcenter (various regional)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAt numerous locations, ZukunftPlus E.V. collaborates with local Jobcenter offices on diverse measures (Berufsvorbereitung, Umschulungen, integration programs) to help long-term unemployed individuals rediscover their potential and develop competencies through practical trials.
• Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer (DIHK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe national IHK organization and its 79 regional chambers collaborate with ZukunftPlus E.V. to ensure that program graduates receive recognized certifications through standardized national examinations upon successful program completion. Programs are listed in the WIS (Weiterbildungs- und Informationssystem) portal.
• KERN AG TrainingmajorTechnology or IntegrationZukunftPlus E.V. partners with KERN AG Training for high-quality language instruction, providing workplace-relevant and industry-specific German as a Foreign Language (DaF) training in flexible formats (analog, digital, hybrid). The partnership has operated for ten years (as of 2025) and covers professional and technical vocabulary in small group settings.
• Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie (Berlin)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn a multi-year collaboration, the Berlin Senate department commissions ZukunftPlus E.V. to run the Einsteigen project, enabling youth and young adults without prospects to acquire their simple or extended Berufsbildungsreife and develop social and professional competencies through internships and theory instruction.
• Bundesverband der Träger beruflicher Bildung (Bildungsverband) e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a member of this national association of vocational education providers, ZukunftPlus E.V. participates in continuous exchange and networking with other program providers nationwide, sharpening the focus on holistic and sustainable vocational education offerings.
• Berufsförderungsdienste der BundeswehrminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZukunftPlus E.V. works with the Bundeswehr's career transition services to prepare soldiers for civilian employment. Seminar and training offerings range from subject refresher courses and study preparation to application training, examination preparation, cross-industry vocational training, language courses, and programming courses.
• Bahn-BKKminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBahn-BKK (the Bahn health insurance fund) enriches the daily life of ZukunftPlus E.V. employees and participants through regular workshops on exercise, healthy nutrition, and preventive measures. Targeted training programs from Bahn-BKK are successfully implemented for participants in nationwide programs.
• Stiftungsfamilie – BSW & EWHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStemming from the historical relationship with Deutsche Bahn AG, ZukunftPlus E.V. employees can access the BSW & EWH Foundation's offerings including counseling and health services, educational and leisure programs, and travel and vacation offers for DB employees and their families.
• Verband Deutscher Eisenbahner-Sportvereine e.V. (VDES)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn the context of Chance plus, ZukunftPlus E.V. cooperates with VDES to offer Chance plus participants health workshops on topics including balanced nutrition, exercise, and stress management, aiming to build self-confidence and promote a healthier lifestyle.
• Soziale und kulturelle Integration (SUKI) at DB AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSUKI supports the onboarding process of employees with refugee or migration backgrounds at DB AG on social and cultural levels. ZukunftPlus E.V. works hand-in-hand with SUKI through expert exchange, public events, and workshops.
• Various schools and Berufsschulen (vocational schools)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrom Hamburg to Munich, ZukunftPlus E.V. collaborates with schools, particularly Berufsschulen (vocational schools). ZukunftPlus staff support students in completing theoretical qualifications, mediate between teachers, students, and guardians, and assist with internship searches and school-to-work transitions.
• Various small, medium, and large companies (bundesweit)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZukunftPlus E.V. cooperates with small, medium, and large enterprises nationwide for apprenticeships, career orientation and preparation, and retraining. The organization seeks win-win outcomes: participants receive quality training and placement opportunities; partner companies gain access to potential junior and skilled workers.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Fortbildungsakademie der Wirtschaft (FAW): Nationwide vocational training and integration provider affiliated with employer associations, offering AZAV-certified Berufsvorbereitung, language, and qualification programs. Comparable public-sector commissioning model.
• DEKRA Akademie: Major German vocational training and integration provider offering Berufsvorbereitung, language training, and integration measures. Operates as part of the broader DEKRA certification conglomerate, serving similar publicly-commissioned segments nationwide.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: Large incumbent vocational and language training provider delivering AZAV-certified programs for public employment agencies and corporate clients. Competes for many of the same Jobcenter and Bundesagentur contracts as ZukunftPlus E.V.
• Internationaler Bund (IB): Large nationwide non-profit provider of vocational preparation, youth services, and migration/integration programs. Competes for the same Jobcenter and Bundesagentur contracts with comparable offerings (e.g., Berufsvorbereitung, Sprachkurse).

Direct peers

• Kolping Bildungswerk: Catholic-affiliated nationwide vocational education provider offering Berufsvorbereitung, integration, and pedagogical support. Comparable AZAV-certified Bildungsträger competing in the same public commissioning market.
• ORBIS Bildungswerk: Mid-sized AZAV-certified vocational education provider offering Berufsvorbereitung, integration courses, and pedagogical support. Comparable in business model and target segments to ZukunftPlus E.V.
• bbw Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft: One of Germany's largest networks of vocational education providers, offering Berufsvorbereitung, Ausbildung, and integration programs with similar AZAV-certified structures. Highly comparable as a Bildungsträger competing for the same public commissioning contracts.
• BQS Bildungs- und Qualifizierungsgesellschaft: Mid-sized vocational preparation and integration provider in Germany, focusing on Chance plus-style programs commissioned by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. Comparable program structure and target audience.
• Bildungswerk der Nordrhein-Westfälischen Wirtschaft: Regional vocational education and integration provider affiliated with employer associations, offering similar Chance-style Berufsvorbereitung and Sprachkurse. Comparable target customer (youth and migrants) and public funding model.

Others

• KERN AG Training: Strategic partner rather than competitor; a major German language and integration training provider. Listed because the company explicitly partners with KERN AG for Sprachtrainings, indicating a comparable adjacent capability in the DaF/integration market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zukunftplus-e.v.
• Instagraminstagram.com/_zukunftplus

Compliance2 records

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 ZukunftPlus E.V.