The Hessian Ministry of Education and the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce offer joint training courses for teachers and trainers – the next course starts on October 27th
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly changing the world of work and, consequently, the demands placed on vocational training. To prepare teachers at vocational schools and trainers in companies for this development, the Hessian Ministry of Education, Science and Opportunities and the Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) have jointly developed a professional development series.
Following a successful pilot project in early summer 2026, the "AI in Dual Vocational Training" now continue. The next session begins on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Radko-Stöckl-School in Melsungen. Further events at other Hessian locations are already being planned.
Artificial intelligence is changing vocational training
Whether it's warehouse optimization in logistics, quality assurance in industry, or data analysis in finance: AI applications are gaining importance in numerous sectors. This also increases the need to familiarize trainees with the opportunities and challenges of these new technologies at an early stage.
Trainers in companies and teachers at vocational schools face the challenge of imparting relevant skills and meaningfully integrating AI applications into everyday training.
The joint training series is intended to help combine basic technical knowledge with concrete application possibilities.
Teachers and company trainers learn together
A special feature of the Hesse-wide program is the joint participation of teachers and company training staff.
While many training programs are aimed exclusively at schools or companies, the new seminar series brings together both partners of the dual training system.
The program comprises three days of training as well as two supplementary online events. Participants will explore the ethical, legal, and technical foundations of artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, they learn about various AI tools and test their use in different professional and educational situations.
The aim is to be able to apply the acquired knowledge directly in lessons and in practical training in the company.
The education minister sees particular potential
Hesse's Education Minister Armin Schwarz emphasizes the importance of new training opportunities for vocational education.
"It's no secret that artificial intelligence will fundamentally change many professional fields. All the more reason why we need innovative formats to impart the necessary skills during vocational training," explains Schwarz.
The shared focus on businesses and vocational schools is particularly valuable. This allows both sides to exchange their experiences and jointly develop new approaches for the use of artificial intelligence.
The Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt) focuses on practical relevance
The Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt) also sees the training format as an important contribution to the further development of vocational training.
“By combining theoretical, tool and practical knowledge, the training is not only very comprehensive, but also immediately transferable to everyday life in the company and in vocational school,” explains IHK Managing Director Robert Lippmann.
The participants are expected to pass on the acquired knowledge to their trainees, thereby contributing to the teaching of up-to-date professional skills.
Pilot project started in Bensheim
The first round of the training series took place in early summer 2026 at the Karl-Kübel-School in Bensheim.
Following the positive experiences from this pilot project, the Ministry of Education and the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce have decided to continue the joint program.
The next seminar series begins on October 27th at the independent vocational Radko-Stöckl-School in Melsungen.
Further sessions at other locations in Hesse are already planned. This is intended to make the program accessible to additional teachers and trainers in the future.
The most important information
- Training series: AI in dual vocational training
- Organizers: Hessian Ministry of Culture, Education and Opportunities and Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Target group: Teachers at vocational schools and company trainers
- Start of the next round: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Venue: Independent Vocational Radko-Stöckl-School, Melsungen
- Scope: Three training days and two supplementary online sessions
- Contents: Ethical, legal and technical foundations of AI as well as practical applications and AI tools
- Pilot project: Early summer 2026 at the Karl-Kübel-School in Bensheim
- Further dates: Additional sessions at other Hessian locations are being planned.
(DARMSTADT – RED/IHK)
Featured image: The participants of the first training series received their certificates in early summer 2026 in the foyer of the Karl Kübel School in Bensheim. The photo shows the participants with Holger Volkwein (front left) from the Hessian Ministry of Culture, Education and Opportunities, Maren Frangen (second from left), team leader of the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Academy for Continuing Education, behind them (left) Dr. Marcel Walter, Head of Vocational Training at the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Michael Steffan, Headmaster of the Karl Kübel School in Bensheim (back row, second from left), and the course instructors Bernd Wiest (back row, third from right) and Holger Werner (center, in the back, wearing a red polo shirt). Photo: Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce / Thomas Neu
