“Skills for the future are learned here.” That’s probably what many parents in Freiburg think. The Gertrud Luckner Gewerbeschule is a vocational school with a rich history. It stands as one of Freiburg’s eight vocational schools.
With over 1800 students the Gertrud Luckner Gewerbeschule offers diverse training. Students can achieve their university entrance qualification here. The school uses two building complexes. The first is a landmarked building from 1905 on Kirchstrasse. It houses the second education path and dental assistant training. The modern complex on Bissierstrasse hosts all other programs.
But let’s delve into its history. School operations began in August 1905. The now landmarked building was planned by city architects Rudolf Thoma and Matthias Stammnitz. The building showcases late historicism. It blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. The gray-yellow sandstone construction was modeled after Aschaffenburg’s Johannisburg Castle. It was built between 1902 and 1905.
Notice the many sculptures and mosaics. Julius Seitz and his students created them. August Müssle, Theodor Hengst, Ferdinand Kohl, Louis Granget, and Friedrich Meinecke also contributed. These artworks depict various trades. Many Freiburg craft businesses participated in the construction. Above two windows on the left side wing is a relief portrait. It depicts Münster master builder Hans Böringer. August Müssle created it. The Baden coat of arms on the gable is by Julius Seitz. The main gable features master and journeyman figures from the Renaissance era. Seitz also created a portrait of Stammnitz as a corbel.
At its opening, the Gertrud Luckner Gewerbeschule boasted state-of-the-art classrooms and workshops. During World War I, the school served as a mobilization barracks. From 1945 to 1955 after World War II, it housed the French Army Command. From 1926 to 1935, the school hosted the technical facilities. These belonged to Freiburg’s first radio station. Its successor is now the Freiburg-Lehen station.
By the 1980s, a general renovation was needed. The school’s use and the wars had left their mark. The school was declared a “cultural monument of special significance”. This prevented its demolition. A multi-year renovation addressed the damage. In 1987, it was renamed Gertrud-Luckner-Gewerbeschule. This honored Gertrud Luckner, named an honorary citizen of Freiburg in 1979. Renovations continued into the present day. The interior was redesigned from 1996 to 2003.
In the 1980s, the new building on Bissierstrasse was added. Today, it houses the administration and directorate. The Gertrud Luckner Gewerbeschule offers training in food, printing, and media design. You can also study photography and hairdressing here. Health-related programs include dental assistant and optician training. Confectioners and butchers are also trained. The school covers textile technology and clothing. This includes tailors, milliners, and fashion designers.
The Gertrud Luckner Gewerbeschule also offers vocational preparation years. There is also a one-year vocational school and master craftsman school. For the second educational path, there is a vocational training school. Moreover, you can find a technical college entrance qualification and a technical high school. A two-year vocational college for photo/media technology assistants is available. There is also a three-year vocational college for graphic design. The Gertrud Luckner Gewerbeschule continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of its students and the community.