Vocational schools

Vocational schools provide general and vocational education and training in vocational and higher education programmes.

The vocational schools are divided into:

• the vocational schools part-time (part-time and block vocational school, basic vocational training year in cooperative form, part-time vocational preparation courses, part-time technical colleges) and
• full-time vocational schools (full-time vocational preparation courses, vocational schools, technical secondary schools, vocational grammar schools and technical colleges).

Vocational school
The dual system of vocational training, consisting of the learning venues of vocational school and company, is the most frequently encountered form of training.

Vocational school/higher vocational school
The vocational schools offer basic vocational training or full-time vocational training (assistant professions) in various disciplines and specialisations.

Technical Secondary School
The special feature of the Fachoberschule is the dovetailing of practical training (guided internship over one year with three company practical days, dual vocational training , full-time vocational training) with a theoretically oriented education. It leads to a degree qualifying for higher education, the Fachhochschulreife.

Vocational Grammar School
The Berufliche Gymnasium, like the upper level of the general education Gymnasium, is a course of education that qualifies students and builds on the intermediate level. The goal is the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur). In addition to general education, vocational training content is taught in the chosen field of study.

College
Technical colleges are institutions for continuing vocational training. The courses in the various specialist areas are linked to initial vocational training and professional experience.

In Hesse, the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is responsible for the school system.

Further information: