A school named after a pioneer. What could be more fitting for shaping the future? Here at Berufsschulzentrum Freital, that pioneer is Otto Lilienthal. This vocational school bears his name with pride.
Berufsschulzentrum Freital stands as a beacon of education in Freital. Its history is rooted in the merger of several independent vocational schools in 1992. These included the Edelstahlwerke vocational school and the Freitaler Gewerbeschule. The Berufsschule für Holzbearbeitung in Rabenau also joined.
Initially, the school operated across multiple locations. Space was limited. The buildings were in poor condition. A new building was envisioned in a development plan.
In 1994, the Rabenau location closed. The property had to be returned to previous owners. The school moved to Burgk in 1993. The building was formerly a Stifts- and later a Mittelschule.
Plans for a new building in Burgk advanced. Construction began in 1996. The topping-out ceremony was in May 1997. Partial operation started in October. The entire complex including sports facilities opened in October 1998.
In 2008, the school was renamed “Otto Lilienthal.” This celebrated the tenth anniversary of the new building. Otto Lilienthal conducted research in Freital. He even married his wife here.
The Burgker Straße location closed at the end of 2010. Student numbers had declined. The building was converted into apartments. In 2012, the Dippoldiswalde vocational school merged with Berufsschulzentrum Freital.
Bernd Mätzler led the school from its founding in 1992 until 2017. Ina Driesel succeeded him.
Berufsschulzentrum Freital has multiple locations. These are in Freital, Dippoldiswalde, and Glashütte. The school offers courses in economics, industry, and trade. It also provides vocational preparation. The Berufsgrundbildungsjahr and a special needs program are available. The vocational Gymnasium offers technology and economics. The Fachoberschule focuses on economics, administration, and technology. The technical school covers precision mechanics, medical technology, and food technology. Glashütte offers training as a watchmaker.
The main building is on Otto-Dix-Straße near Burgker Straße in Freital-Burgk. It consists of three interconnected buildings. These buildings have two to three floors. The main entrance is on Otto-Dix-Straße. A connecting building provides access to the other buildings. The cafeteria is at the north end. A triple sports hall is located west of it. Green spaces surround the buildings.
During the 2002 floods, the school sheltered 1,400 evacuees. These people were from the Weisseritz flood zone. Patients from the Freital hospital were also housed here.
In 2017 and 2018, the roof was repaired. Moisture had damaged the roof structure.
Berufsschulzentrum Freital continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of its students and the community. It provides education and prepares students for their futures. The school’s rich history and dedication to innovation make it a valuable asset to Freital.