Founded in 1941 the Hugo-Kückelhaus-Berufskolleg in Essen has a rich history. It initially served as a vocational school for girls. World War II interrupted its operations. Classes stopped in October 1944. The teaching staff found work in city gardens. The city administration and the employment office also provided temporary work. In June 1946 the school reopened its doors to 1068 students.
This remarkable institution moved to its current location on Gärtnerstraße in March 1966. The new building provided ample space for its expanding programs. The Hugo-Kückelhaus-Berufskolleg offered a variety of vocational specializations. These included design technology textile and clothing technology and biotechnology. Biotechnology focused on hairdressing and cosmetics. Another area of study focused on health with a concentration in nutritional and supply management.
Students in design technology and clothing technology gained dual qualifications. They received vocational degrees and advanced secondary school qualifications. The advanced qualifications allowed further education. The design technology program further specialized in graphic and object design as well as media and communication.
The Hugo-Kückelhaus-Berufskolleg provided access to all school-leaving qualifications in North Rhine-Westphalia. The system was permeable. Students could progress seamlessly to higher levels of study. This benefited those reorienting their careers or those who had interrupted their education.
Post-vocational training was also available for students. Those who completed their training could pursue higher education. They could obtain advanced qualifications for university entry. Graduates were not restricted to the field of their access qualification. The school offered many paths for success.
Sadly the Hugo-Kückelhaus-Berufskolleg closed its doors for good on July 31 2024. The city of Essen made the decision to merge its programs into other schools. Programs in household management and supply management as well as body care and health went to a school in the education park. Design and textile technology programs moved to the Berufskolleg Ost. Despite its closure the legacy of the Hugo-Kückelhaus-Berufskolleg lives on in the students it educated. And in the impact it had on the community.