Ever wonder what fuels Essen’s tech scene? It starts right here at Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg. This vocational college is dedicated to electrical engineering, information and telecommunications technology. It is named after the computer pioneer Heinz Nixdorf.
Let’s step inside this building on Dahnstrasse. The Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg or HNBK as it’s known locally, has been an independent school since 1970. Back then it had a different name. The school has been at this location since the beginning.
Initially, the building was partly destroyed during air raids in 1942 and 1943. The west wing on Dahnstrasse was never rebuilt. In 1966, the school West taught 2600 students in the electro department. The City Council of Essen then decided to split the school. Construction of a new building began in 1967. It was built on the site of the former west wing.
Manfred Mettke became the first headmaster in 1969. By 1970, the building was partially ready. The Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg could be used provisionally.
The school underwent a significant restructuring in 1995. That’s when the search for a name began. In 1999, the school was named after Heinz Nixdorf. This decision was made with the approval of the Nixdorf family.
Today, around 1700 students attend the college. They are taught by 102 teachers. The school offers various educational pathways. These include vocational school, advanced vocational school, technical secondary school, and technical college.
In February 2025, a solar plant was put into operation on the roof of the Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg. It is part of the SmartQuart real-world laboratories for the energy transition. It consists of 170 modules with a total output of 75 kWp. The project is funded by the German government’s energy research program.
The Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg also maintains international contacts. It has partnerships with schools in France, Ireland, Norway, and Spain. This allows students to participate in exchange programs.
From its humble beginnings to its current status, the Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg has a rich history. It has adapted to the changing demands of technology and the job market. The school continues to evolve and prepare students for the future. It’s a vital part of Essen’s educational landscape. The Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg shapes the next generation of tech professionals.