Rhein-erft Akademie Gmbh

What Rhein-erft Akademie Gmbh does

Rhein-Erft Akademie GmbH is a private vocational education and training provider headquartered in Hürth, Germany, within the Chemiepark Knapsack industrial complex. Founded in 2003 as an independent company tracing its heritage to the former Hoechst AG training department, the firm is a member of the Stiftung Bildung & Handwerk (SBH) educational foundation group. It operates across six service lines: dual Ausbildung apprenticeships in 10 recognized trades (chemistry, technology, commercial); IHK-certified advanced qualifications (Industriemeister IHK in four specializations, Wirtschaftsfachwirt, Betriebswirt, Technischer Betriebswirt, AEVO); government-funded Umschulung retraining programs (notably Chemikant) eligible for Bildungsgutschein; approximately 400 open-enrollment and in-house Seminars per year covering occupational safety, electrical engineering, and logistics; a state-recognized private Berufskolleg; and supporting services including the AzubiAgentur apprentice recruitment platform and Managed Training Services outsourcing. Approximately 550 apprentices are trained concurrently, and the academy reported €11.0M in 2025 revenue across a hybrid B2B/B2C customer base spanning 12+ named industrial cooperation companies (BASF, Clariant, Vinnolit, CABB, Orion Engineered Carbons, Ardagh, SYNLAB, EEW, Perimeter Solutions, Actemium, Nattermann, A&M Stabtest) and individual learners.

The underlying technology stack is intentionally modest: a Moodle-based learning management system (moodle.r-e-a.de) for online course delivery, a digital e-procurement and booking system for course enrollment, the AzubiAgentur applicant management platform with GDPR-compliant aptitude diagnostics, and standardized online application forms. Course fees are net VAT-exempt under German training law; AZAV-certified programs unlock Bundesagentur für Arbeit and Jobcenter funding channels, while Aufstiegs-BAföG and the Bildungsscheck NRW provide additional subsidy levers. The go-to-market motion is hybrid: enterprise field sales to industrial employers for Managed Training Services, Azubi-Recruiting, Komplettausbildung, and Prüfungsvorbereitung, complemented by sales-led acquisition of individual learners through free monthly online info events, the website, and phone/email consultation. Channel partnerships with IHK Köln, Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, and Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (fhm) extend reach, while a digital-first presence across Google Ads, social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok), and Kununu employer branding supports top-of-funnel demand generation.

The business is IHK-certified and AZAV-accredited, with all credentials conferring nationwide validity. IHK Köln serves as the official examining body for IHK-certified programs, and the academy's location inside the Chemiepark Knapsack industrial complex provides hands-on access to live production facilities, control rooms, and laboratories that traditional educational institutions cannot replicate. The firm employs staff from over 15 countries of origin, is led by Managing Directors Marco Mencke and Michael H. Lutter, and has accumulated an extensive award portfolio including 7 consecutive years on FOCUS-BUSINESS's Top-Anbieter für Weiterbildung list, multiple 2025-2026 Branchensieger designations, and World's Best Employer recognition (2023-2025).

Name

Rhein-erft Akademie Gmbh

Legal name

RHEIN-ERFT AKADEMIE GmbH

Website

https://www.rhein-erft-akademie.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Rhein-Erft Akademie GmbH is a private, IHK-certified vocational education provider in Hürth, Germany, delivering apprenticeships, continuing education, retraining, and corporate training services to industrial employers and individual learners in the Cologne/Bonn region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK)

Keywords

• Vocational training
• Industrial apprenticeships
• IHK-certified education
• Chemical industry training
• Corporate upskilling

Headquarters

HQ city

Hürth

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Vocational Training Services (Ausbildung): Dual vocational education and training (Ausbildung) for approximately 10 recognized apprenticeship trades in chemistry, technology, and commercial professions. Revenue generated through contracts with partner companies (Kooperationsunternehmen) who sponsor apprentices.
2. Continuing Education (Weiterbildung): IHK-certified continuing education programs including Industriemeister IHK, Wirtschaftsfachwirt, Betriebswirt, Technischer Betriebswirt, and AEVO. Revenue from course fees paid by individuals or sponsored by employers.
3. Seminare (Short Seminars): Approximately 400 seminars per year covering occupational safety, electrical engineering, logistics, and fire protection. Offered as open-enrollment or in-house training for companies.
4. Umschulung (Retraining): Government-funded retraining programs (e.g., Chemikant retraining) eligible for Bildungsgutschein from the Federal Employment Agency.
5. Managed Training Services (MTS): Full outsourcing of corporate training management including needs analysis, portal creation, participant enrollment, instructor procurement, hotel booking, materials, and evaluation.
6. Rhein-Erft Berufskolleg: State-recognized private vocational college (Berufskolleg) combining traditional vocational school with modern learning environment. Revenue from tuition or company sponsorship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rhein-Erft Akademie operates a state-recognized private vocational education institution delivering dual apprenticeships in approximately 10 recognized IHK trades (chemistry, technology, commercial), IHK-certified continuing education (Industriemeister across four specializations, Wirtschaftsfachwirt, Betriebswirt), about 400 short seminars annually, and AZAV-accredited retraining (Umschulung). All programs are delivered from the Chemiepark Knapsack campus in Hürth, Germany, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training in active industrial workshops and laboratories.

Product overview

Rhein-Erft Akademie is a multi-format vocational education and training provider operating as a single unified institution — not a platform-plus-modules architecture — offering five interlocking service lines: a state-recognized private Berufskolleg, dual apprenticeships (Ausbildung), professional retraining (Umschulung), open-enrollment seminars (~400/year), and IHK-certified advanced professional qualifications (Industriemeister IHK, kaufmännische Weiterbildungen). These are supported by three enabling services: the AzubiAgentur for apprentice recruitment, Managed Training Services for corporate training outsourcing, and a Prüfungsvorbereitung (exam prep) suite. Funding instruments (Aufstiegs-BAföG, Bildungsscheck NRW, Weiterbildungsstipendium) and info events serve as enrollment enablers. All programs are delivered at the Chemiepark Knapsack site in Hürth and are IHK-certified and/or AZAV-accredited.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rhein-Erft Berufskolleg: A state-recognized private vocational college (Berufskolleg) that combines traditional vocational school with modern, future-oriented learning environment.
• AzubiAgentur
• Managed Training Services (MTS)

Products and services

• Ausbildung (Apprenticeship) Dual vocational training across 10 recognized IHK apprenticeship trades in chemistry, technology, and commercial fields, conducted in cooperation with partner companies, the Rhein-Erft Berufskolleg, and the AzubiAgentur, with approximately 550 apprentices currently enrolled.
• Rhein-Erft Berufskolleg A state-recognized private vocational college combining traditional Berufsschule with a modern, future-oriented learning environment, offering Fachhochschulreife as a parallel qualification, small class sizes, and individual support.
• Umschulung (Retraining) State-recognized retraining programs, particularly for the Chemikant (m/w/d) qualification, funded via Bildungsgutschein from the Federal Employment Agency, leading to IHK certification.
• Seminare (Seminars) Approximately 400 seminars offered annually across topics including occupational safety (Arbeitssicherheit), electrical engineering (Elektrotechnik), logistics (Logistik), and fire protection, available as open-enrollment or in-house training.
• Industriemeister IHK (Industrial Master Craftsman) IHK-certified advanced professional training across four specializations: chemistry, electrical engineering, mechatronics, and metal, qualifying participants for leadership roles in industrial settings.
• Kaufmännische Weiterbildungen IHK (Commercial IHK Further Education) IHK-certified commercial advanced training including Wirtschaftsfachwirt, Betriebswirt, and Technischer Betriebswirt qualifications, offered part-time alongside employment.
• AzubiAgentur A service supporting companies in recruiting apprentices, managing applications, conducting aptitude tests, organizing interviews, and arranging internships and trial placements.
• Managed Training Services (MTS) Full outsourcing of corporate training management — from needs analysis to training organization, hotel booking, materials creation, and evaluation — enabling companies to delegate continuing education administration entirely.
• Prüfungsvorbereitung (Exam Preparation) Preparation courses for IHK intermediate and final exams for Industriekaufleute, Kaufleute für Büromanagement, IT professions, and external Industrieelektriker examinations.
• Teamtraining (Team Training) Experiential learning program for apprentices using outdoor and action-pedagogical exercises to develop teamwork, communication, and cooperation skills, with transfer into the apprenticeship context.
• Komplettausbildung (Complete Apprenticeship) A comprehensive 'all-in-one' apprenticeship service covering recruitment, aptitude testing, training delivery in workshops and laboratories, and Berufskolleg enrollment.
• Azubi-Recruiting Applicant management and recruitment services for companies seeking apprentices, including eignungsdiagnostik (aptitude diagnostics), application document management, and candidate communication.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of retraining graduates find employment in their newly learned profession (social insurance-covered employment)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stiftung Bildung & Handwerk (SBH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization / membership foundation. As a member of the SBH corporate group, Rhein-Erft Akademie represents sustainable, quality-oriented education with a long-term perspective. SBH provides institutional backing and network synergies across educational institutions.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic cooperation enabling AZAV-certified programs eligible for Bildungsgutschein (education vouchers) for job seekers and unemployed individuals. Partnership is central to Umschulung (retraining) programs.
• Chemiepark KnapsackcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome to the academy's main campus. Provides unique industrial environment with live production facilities, control rooms, and laboratories for hands-on training. Hydrogen refueling station on site. Located in Hürth near Cologne.
• Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK) KölncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification and examination body for all IHK-certified programs. IHK-zertifiziert status provides nationwide validity for qualifications. Active IHK membership for industry networking.
• Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (fhm)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for practice-oriented degree programs. Combines vocational training with university studies leading to bachelor's degree. Graduates receive both IHK and academic qualifications.
• AzubiAgentur Partner Companies (Orion Engineered Carbons, Vinnolit, CABB, SYNLAB, Clariant, Actemium, Ardagh, Perimeter Solutions, Nattermann, EEW, GEA Lyophil, BASF, A&M Stabtest, Weber)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor16+ industrial companies in the region partner for apprenticeship programs through AzubiAgentur. Companies receive pre-screened candidates with aptitude test results. REA handles recruitment, testing, and interview coordination on behalf of partners.
• AWH (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership organization supporting vocational integration of people with disabilities. Alignment with REA's commitment to diversity and inclusion across all employee backgrounds.
• ChemCologneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional chemical industry network (CHEMCOLOGNE). Membership supports connections with the broader chemical industry in the Rhine region for training and employment.
• Wuppertaler Kreis (Weiterbildungseinrichtungen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of continuing education institutions. Network for best practice exchange among vocational training providers.
• Lernende Region Netzwerk KölnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional learning network in the Cologne area. Supports lifelong learning initiatives and coordination among educational institutions in the region.
• Rhein-Erft BerufsstartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal career entry initiative supporting young people in the Rhein-Erft district with transition from school to vocational training and employment.
• Goldingen Europakolleg (for Chemielaborant training)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Goldenberg Europakolleg in Wesseling for the Chemielaborant (chemical laboratory technician) apprenticeship program, supplementing the practical training at REA.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Provadis GmbH: Provadis is the training partner of Infraserv Höchst in Frankfurt and offers dual apprenticeships, IHK-certified continuing education, and retraining for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. It is the closest functional peer to REA — same chemical-industry vocational model, same AZAV/IHK stack, similar corporate-foundation backing.
• Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw): bbw is a large Bavarian vocational training and qualification provider offering apprenticeships, retraining, and IHK-certified programs, including for industrial customers. Same dual-system model and AZAV funding orientation as REA, but anchored in Bavaria rather than NRW.

Broad incumbents

• Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie (DAA): DAA is a nationwide AZAV-certified provider of retraining (Umschulung), continuing education, and integration courses funded via Bildungsgutschein. Comparable to REA's Umschulung and AZAV-funded streams but with much broader geographic and topical coverage.
• DEKRA Akademie: DEKRA Akademie is one of Germany's largest private vocational training providers, with courses in safety, electrical engineering, logistics, and commercial IHK qualifications. Comparable to REA's ~400 seminars/year portfolio and IHK continuing education, with national branch coverage REA lacks.
• Euro-Schulen / ESO Education Group: ESO operates a national network of vocational and language schools, including industrial and commercial IHK programs. Comparable in AZAV-funded retraining and IHK continuing education footprint but without REA's chemical-industry specialization.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: TÜV Rheinland Akademie delivers nationwide vocational continuing education, occupational safety, and industrial upskilling across Germany. It overlaps with REA in IHK certifications and occupational safety/electrical seminars but operates as a much broader incumbent portfolio rather than a chemical-park-specialist.
• TÜV SÜD Akademie: TÜV SÜD Akademie provides certified continuing education and qualification programs across industrial, technical, and commercial fields. Comparable in IHK-certified and AZAV-eligible offerings, though it is a much larger national network with a broader geographic and topical footprint than REA.

Emerging players

• Technische Akademie Wuppertal (TAW): TAW is a specialized provider of technical and industrial continuing education with a focus on electrical, mechanical, and automation qualifications. Comparable in the Industriemeister and industrial-electrical seminar space but narrower than REA's full apprenticeship + Berufskolleg stack.

Regional players

• IHK Bildungszentrum Köln: The IHK-affiliated Bildungszentrum Köln delivers IHK-certified vocational training, exam preparation, and continuing education in the same Cologne/Bonn catchment area as REA. It is a direct competitor on IHK qualifications but without REA's chemical-park specialization or apprenticeship-to-recruitment integration.

Others

• Stiftung Bildung & Handwerk (SBH): SBH is REA's parent foundation and network operator for educational institutions. It is included as a peer to reflect the corporate-group context and the shared back-office, funding, and institutional resources that shape REA's operating model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/RheinErftAkademie
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rhein-erft-akademie-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/rheinerftakademie
• TikToktiktok.com/@rheinerftakademie

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 Rhein-erft Akademie Gmbh