BBS Neustadt - How a vocational school became a digital innovation hub

29.09.2025 - Digitalization, robotics, Industry 4.0 - BBS Neustadt shows what vocational education looks like today: practical, future-oriented and full of passion.

With over 3,000 pupils, the Neustadt vocational schools in the Hanover region are among the largest BBSs in Lower Saxony. However, its true strength lies not in its size - but in its innovative power.

For years, BBS Neustadt has been one of the pioneers of digitalization in the education sector. As an innovation and future center for automation technology, mechatronics and robotics, it not only trains students for the present, but also for the working world of tomorrow.

Robotics? We can. And understandably so.

While many young people only know robotics from YouTube videos, the students at BBS Neustadt learn how to work with it. Not only are there state-of-the-art industrial robots here, but also collaborative robot systems that are used for practical training - from initial contact to complex applications.

The aim is to arouse enthusiasm and convey technical interrelationships in such a way that they are fun and open up prospects - whether for an apprenticeship, a course of study or later further training.

A particular focus is on close cooperation with partners from business and research: the IHK certificate course "User for collaborative robots" was developed together with the IHK Hannover and the Robokind Foundation and successfully piloted at the IdeenExpo in 2019 - a project that was funded by the Hannover region and is still part of the curriculum at BBS Neustadt today. BBS Neustadt is one of the schools with close ties to the region with which innovative projects are repeatedly implemented, particularly in the field of robotics. Within Robotics City Hannover, it is therefore one of the flagship schools with an affinity for robotics: It is currently working together with the Robokind Foundation on the new KIRIA project and on the development of a practice-oriented day format together with the roboterfabrik at Leibniz University Hannover. Those responsible at BBS Neustadt have also played a key role in the Strategic Advisory Board initiated by the Hannover Region to promote digitalization at vocational schools . In short, when it comes to digitalization, robotics and AI, BBS Neustadt is always at the forefront - not least thanks to its own cobot lab.

What sets BBS Neustadt apart is that its commitment goes far beyond the classroom. The school has been active in numerous state and regional projects, for example:

Participation in "BBS fit for 4.0" since 2016
Development of its own smart factory
Co-development of the described robotics certificate course with IHK & Robokind Foundation
Participation in the project "KIRIA' - AI and robotics in the working environment"
Participation in the Strategic Advisory Board for the promotion of digitalization at BBSn in the Hanover region and the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs
Regular presence at the IdeenExpo - together with other vocational schools
Development of practice-oriented formats with the roboterfabrik at Leibniz Universität Hannover

BBS Neustadt is thus not only a place of education, but also a competence center, network partner and initiator for the Robotics City Hannover of the Hannover Region.

"We work with methods that aim to solve problems realistically, i.e. we give the students project tasks that allow them to learn how to implement and optimize practical applications. Our robot factory also allows for creativity, which visibly motivates the learners and generates enthusiasm for technology. The vocational students acquire an additional qualification from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in this subject area. They are particularly proud of this."

Florian Beier, Head of the Electrical Engineering Department

"The projects in the field of automation technology are a great success story for me. In particular, our offers and successes in the field of robotics are proof of the efficiency and innovative strength of vocational schools and their colleagues. This innovative strength contributes significantly to the learning success of the students."

Jan Künzel, Director of Studies and Head of the Metal Technology & IT Department

Multiple awards - now also with the Pioneer Award 2025

In July 2025, BBS Neustadt was awarded the "Weichensteller" prize by the NiedersachsenMetall Foundation for this enormous commitment - in particular for its pioneering work in the field of vocational orientation with the help of tactile robotics at vocational schools.

"The team of teachers in the field of automation technology is very motivated and always works together innovatively as a team. I was very pleased to receive the award for the team."

Uwe Backs, Head of School

Pioneer 2025: Team of the BBS Neustadt am Rübenberge

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The prize joins an impressive list of awards:

"Robotics-affine school in gold" (2021)
"Robotics talent 2023"
AI innovation prize "School shapes the future" (2024)

Rethinking training - and shaping the future

Die vier Lehrkräfte der BBS Neustadt am Rübenberge

Whether smart factory, robotics or AI: at BBS Neustadt, we don't wait for change - we shape it. Teachers develop innovative learning formats, undergo continuous professional development and pass on their knowledge in state-wide training courses. The result is a place that is more than just a school: a place of the future. BBS Neustadt is an impressive example of how vocational education can inspire, empower and change. Not only skilled workers are created here - future makers are created here.

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Hanover region

Project coordination

Hanna Sander-Böving

Project coordination
Hanover Region
Employment Promotion
Department of Economic and Employment Promotion