Formation of the "Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V."

The educational institution (Bildungswerk) supports the civic, social, economic and vocational education of young and adult citizens in the sense of a liberal, socially committed business and social structure.

New challenges

Increasing levels of unemployment in the early 1980s affects not only badly trained employees but also, in particular, many young people. For this reason, the Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (educational institution of Bavarian industry) designs training courses that are tailored to the realities of the company's operations and take account of the participants' aptitudes and inclinations. Personal support leads to great success in (re-)integration into the labour market. The vocational training centres emerged from this field of activity in 1983.

Portfolio diversification

This year, not only will the name of the association be changed to "Berufliche Fortbildungszentren der Bayerischen Arbeitgeberverbände e. V.", but at the same time the product range will be diversified. For example, initial measures are being taken in the field of vocational rehabilitation. Training courses in control and automation technology, CNC technology and robotics are developed.

In addition, an independent business unit for research and development is created in bfz, in which projects are worked on that range from a specific qualification needs analysis, through consulting projects on the subject of occupational sciences and on to the development of IT training concepts for self-employed professions. Later, this will lead to bfz educational research.

Foundation of technical colleges

With the founding of a technical college for plastics technology in Weißenburg, bfz begins its entry into school education. Shortly afterwards, the technical college for mechanical engineering in Amberg and the technical business academy in Hof are founded. In 1993, the technical colleges for nursing care for the elderly and families are added. The schools in bfz are becoming a source of impetus for continuing education in the field of specialist training.

Worldwide cooperations

bfz and bbw cooperate in the development of educational programmes for non-European countries, with a focus on Russia and China.

Foundation "bbw Group"

The bbw group of companies is founded. In addition to increasing flexibility, there are other reasons for this important step towards the further development of the structure. The size the companies have since reached demands a legal form that is usual for this business. With the exception of bbw e. V., all companies are converted into limited liability companies. bbw e. V., which will continue to be supported by Bavarian business organisations and companies, will henceforth form the umbrella organisation of the bbw Group.

Benefits through equality

Six companies of the bbw Group were presented with the "TOTAL E-QUALITY" award for their achievements in the field of equal opportunities, including bfz, which received the award for the fifth time in a row. bfz also received the additional prize for "living diversity".

Inauguration of our university of applied sciences

On 1 October, the new Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (HDBW) gGmbH will be inaugurated in Munich, focusing on business and technology. With the winter semester 2014 / 2015, the private university starts with three bachelor's degree programmes, which are offered both full-time and part-time: Business administration with a focus on international management, industrial engineering with a focus on logistics and supply chain management as well as mechanical engineering with a focus on mechatronics. The headquarters of HDBW is in Munich. Further locations are Bamberg and Traunstein.

New training center in Shanghai

In Shanghai, Prof. Günther G. Goth and Anna Engel-Köhler open the training centre of the Shanghai Bavarian Vocational Training Consulting Co. (sbvtc).