Economic Development in Dortmund: Vocational Training, Infrastructure, and Labor Market Strategy in April 2026

Vocational Training as Key to the Future Labor Market

Dortmund is increasingly relying on training agreements and partnerships between schools and companies to address the shortage of skilled workers. The Dortmund Training Pact, which has been in place since 2025, has already shown success: The transition rate at participating schools stands at 24.4%, significantly above the city average of 17.1%. Funding will be increased as of 2026, with amounts ranging between 58,700 and 122,600 euros. Partners such as the DASA Talent House and Erlebt-was e.V. play a crucial role in implementation.

In addition, educational partnerships have been a fixed part of Dortmund's economic strategy since 2007. Over 119 partnerships between 50 schools and 117 companies provide practical training opportunities. For example, the Wilhelm-Rein School successfully established a cooperation with Radisson Blu Hotel. However, long-term funding remains a challenge, which is why the city’s allocation of 45,000 euros is being closely monitored.

Digital Platforms as New Impulses

The digital platform "Dortmund at work" aims to improve the networking between students, schools, and companies. With features such as internship and training position searches and a reach of up to 8,000 users per month, the platform is an important tool for career orientation. It is funded by municipal resources and supported by sponsors such as the Dortmund Foundation. However, the challenge remains to attract participating companies, particularly SMEs.

Another project is "Dortmund at work-SCHOOL," which is run in cooperation with the Employment Agency, the Chamber of Commerce (IHK), the Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK), and the Economic Promotion Office. With an annual budget of over 60,000 euros, the project reaches more than 1,500 students and apprentices. Four networking events per year with over 200 participants demonstrate the growing relevance of such initiatives.

Labor Market Strategies and Land Development

The Municipal Labor Market Strategy 2020–2030 remains a central point of discussion. Although the fourth progress report is still pending, the need to strengthen the transition from school to the labor market is evident. Companies criticize that, despite good structures, coordination and implementation speed are still lacking. The Advisory Board "Regional School-to-Work Transition Management" is intended to address this, with members from business, education, and administration.

Land development and infrastructure are another focus area. Projects for sustainable development are underway in districts such as Dortmund-Eving and Phoenix-West. In particular, the expansion of fiber optic networks and the hydrogen strategy are drivers of progress. For example, the Dortmund Port is exploring the use of the site as a location for hydrogen transport and storage. Large-scale projects such as "CleanPort" and the "Energy Campus" are crucial in this context, although dependence on funding and planning steps (B-plan, road construction) remains.

Outlook and Challenges

Dortmund has set many initiatives in motion to optimize the school-to-career transition and realign the labor market strategy. With projects such as "SkillPilots" and the Training Pact, the focus is on the future of work. At the same time, funding models, the sustainability of partnerships, and long-term strategy are decisive for success.

In addition, the CDU parliamentary group has submitted a reactivation proposal for the "One-Stop Dortmund" center to accelerate economic promotion. In a changing economic environment shaped by skilled labor shortages, structural change, and global challenges, it is crucial that Dortmund continues to develop its role as an innovation-friendly, business-oriented city.