The Lippe region and its vocational colleges begin a joint development process

The aim is to create the best learning conditions for students while addressing changing economic and social challenges.

“We would like to work with the management of the school to further develop the landscape of the vocational school to ensure the best possible learning conditions in all four locations in the future,” said a member of the board of directors Dr. Olaf Peterschröder.

Background and current challenges

School development planning for the vocational colleges in Lippe has already begun to encourage. The project group “Education and Region” (biregio) developed projections for the development of student numbers, structural requirements and structural views of content. The analyzes show that the number of students will decline in the long term, while the space requirements will vary according to the location. At the same time, proposals have been made to sharpen the image and further develop the offers, but a high degree of flexibility is still essential.

A joint statement from the school management makes it clear that further discussions are needed.

The analyzes and recommendations of the experts have not been changed on the one hand and the school management’s statements about maintaining the current structures on the other hand do not allow a definite statement to be made about their preferred option at the this time. Rather, they are a necessary starting point for further exchange with all involved.

A key part of the structural future is Building 4 at the Felix Fechenbach Vocational College. The renewal measures decided upon are reviewed as part of the overall process and, if necessary, adjusted to the new requirements.

Joint entry to level 0

In order to plan this process strategically and with the participation of all relevant actors, the school authority, in coordination with the school’s management, proposes the implementation of a so-called “performance level 0”. In this phase, among other things, the analysis of needs, the participation of all the people involved and the development of a preferred variable are implemented.

“We would like to enter level 0 together with the school authority to create a good foundation for the future with the necessary partners,” stressed the school’s management of the vocational colleges.

Looking into the future

The results of level 0 should not only provide a solid basis for decisions regarding structural measures, but also create a comprehensive development plan for the Lippe vocational school landscape. Teachers, learners, companies, chambers, associations, school management and other actors will play a vital role.

This process reinforces the importance of vocational training for the Lippe region and lays the foundation for innovative, needs-based and sustainable solutions for the benefit of all involved.