Assessing the network plan for vocational schools in Saxony - School authorities in Saxony are considering a proposal for a new network system specifically designed for vocational schools.
The German state of Saxony is embarking on a significant evaluation of its network of vocational schools, aiming to ensure location security and thoughtful development for the 2027/2028 school year.
With 245 vocational schools across the region, both public and private, the evaluation process is a strategic approach to adapt to demographic and educational changes while securing vocational education’s regional presence and quality.
The Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is leading this dialogue, engaging with vocational school centers, sponsors, municipal associations, companies, and authorities to carefully review and update the vocational school network.
Key objectives for the 2027/2028 school year include maintaining attractive vocational education opportunities in all regions of Saxony, especially supporting rural areas where vocational schools have been deliberately located. Ensuring location security for vocational schools to provide stable, accessible education options, and enabling careful further development of the network based on current student attendance trends and educational needs are also top priorities.
Involving all relevant stakeholders in the evaluation process is crucial for a well-rounded and sustainable planning outcome. The Ministry of Education has announced that this evaluation will involve vocational training centers (VTCs), their operators, municipal associations, companies, and relevant authorities.
The evaluation process has already begun, and the recent school year saw increased attendance, with 107,114 students enrolled, up by 1,543 from the previous year. This growth reflects the growing demand and importance of this sector.
Approximately 6,600 teachers work in these vocational schools across Saxony, contributing to the high-quality education provided.
The Minister of Education, Conrad Clemens (CDU), has emphasised that the evaluation will rely on dialogue with all parties involved. Dresden, a city in Saxony, is one of the locations where vocational training is available.
This comprehensive evaluation is set to secure the future of vocational education in Saxony, ensuring it remains a vibrant and essential part of the region’s educational landscape for years to come.
In the context of Saxony's evaluation of its vocational school network, the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is engaging various stakeholders such as vocational training centers, their operators, municipal associations, companies, and relevant authorities to ensure location security and thoughtful development of the network. This comprehensive evaluation is focused on enabling education-and-self-development opportunities for students, particularly in rural areas, by maintaining attractive vocational education choices and providing stable, accessible learning experiences.
