Funds Over 200 Million Dedicated to Job Training Initiatives

Funds Over 200 Million Dedicated to Job Training Initiatives

New Training Academies for Chamber of Crafts in Karlsruhe and Geradstetten Set Sail on Sustainable Journey

The Chamber of Crafts in Karlsruhe is embarking on a significant endeavour, with the construction of two new training academies in Geradstetten and Karlsruhe. These projects, estimated to cost around 215 million euros, are set to redefine vocational education in the region.

The journey began two years ago when the Chamber purchased a 28,000 square meter plot of land in Geradstetten from the city. Initially, plans were in place to expand and modernize the existing training academy. However, doubts from co-financers and an expert led to a reconsideration of these plans, paving the way for the current large-scale projects.

The new training academy in Geradstetten, the competence center for road construction and construction machinery in the state, is the Chamber's largest single investment to date, with a planned budget of 130 million euros. Construction started in 2022, and the academy is expected to be completed in 2025. The academy in Karlsruhe, with a similar budget, is scheduled to commence construction in 2023 and conclude in 2025.

Both academies will be modern, accessible, and environmentally responsible centers designed to provide high-quality vocational education aligned with contemporary sustainability standards. They will feature state-of-the-art workshops, flexible learning spaces, enhanced facilities, and will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.

In terms of sustainability, these academies will incorporate energy-efficient construction materials and systems, use renewable energy, prefer locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials, implement strict waste reduction and recycling protocols, and incorporate green areas around the campuses.

The federal government is committed to covering 45% of the costs for the new training academy of the Chamber of Crafts Karlsruhe, while the state of Baden-Württemberg is responsible for 25%. The remaining 30% will be covered by the Chamber itself.

The winning design for the new training academy was submitted by Harter + Kanzler & Partner from Freiburg. The construction industry in Baden-Württemberg has also succeeded in being included in the project network of the International Building Exhibition IBA27.

Off-the-job training has been mandatory for all training companies and trainees in Germany since the Vocational Training Act came into force in 1969. The new training academies are crucial for the city of Karlsruhe and its catchment area, which includes seven city and district districts.

In Geradstetten, the demolition of existing buildings and the new construction will proceed step by step to ensure that training operations can continue. A new feasibility study ultimately spoke in favour of a new building at another location.

The new training academies are expected to minimise the CO2 footprint of the new construction in Geradstetten by using recycled concrete and materials from the region. They are set to be a significant step forward in vocational education, combining modernity, accessibility, and sustainability.

The Economic and social policy, encompassing the new training academies, is aimed at fostering education-and-self-development and personal-growth in vocational fields, making them aligned with contemporary sustainability standards through learning opportunities. The construction of the Karlsruhe and Geradstetten academies will provide modern, accessible, and environmentally responsible centers for high-quality vocational education and personal development.

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