HCAT+ e.V.

Shaping networks.

Advancing education.

Securing the future.

HCAT+ was established in 2014 following a Senate resolution of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, forming a key pillar of the ‘Education and Human Resources’ division within Hamburg’s aviation cluster. In close cooperation with the Hamburg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Innovation, we have since been dedicated to advancing forward-looking themes in education and vocational training.

Together with a broad network of small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, educational institutions, policymakers and public administrators, we initiate educational projects that strengthen qualifications and enhance Hamburg’s position as a business location.

Within our networked education ecosystem, we identify cross-cutting themes that inspire enthusiasm for STEM, support training in STEM and provide continuing education in STEM fields.

Our aim is to harness synergies across industries and clusters, making a significant contribution to securing a sustainable supply of skilled workers in the Hamburg metropolitan region.

Our network continues to grow – and will keep growing!

Our topics

Inspire enthusiasm for STEM

Training in STEM subjects

STEM Continuing Education

All about HCAT+ e.V.

National Continuing Education Conference 2025, A day full of insights, honest conversations and genuine moments of revelation

National Continuing Education Conference 2025, A day full of insights, honest conversations and genuine moments of revelation

10. December 2025 | ,

The National Continuing Education Conference 2025 started early, name badge, coffee, a quick look at the agenda, deep breath. At 9:30 a.m. Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and Karin Prien, Federal Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, officially opened the event. It quickly became clear that this day would not just be about policy goals but even more about people, their work and their future.

All news

STEM Spring Report 2025

vacancies – of which:

%

Skilled STEM occupations (Skilled worker level)

%

STEM expert occupations (academic level)

%

Master craftsperson and technician occupations (intermediate level)

‘I am delighted to be joining the HCAT+ Executive Board, where I will contribute to developing young talent and strengthening skills in Hamburg as an aviation hub. Together with partners in the HCAT+ network, I aim to foster enthusiasm, training and continuing education in aviation-related fields.’

Angela Bronner
Board member
Airbus Operations GmbH

‘At HCAT+, I help shape how training in our city is increasingly aligned with the needs of future-oriented fields. HCAT+ serves as a catalyst across institutions and clusters.‘

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Netzel
Chairman of the Executive Board
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)

‘As the head teacher of a vocational school specialising in aviation and STEM professions, and as the host of the HCAT, I see it as my responsibility not only to provide young talents with excellent technical training, but also to prepare them for the challenges of the industry and for active participation in an increasingly complex world. As a member of the HCAT+ Executive Board, I can contribute my expertise while at the same time benefiting from the strong network of Hamburg’s business community – both for my school and for HCAT+. Only within HCAT and the HCAT+ association do we have the unique opportunity to keep the entire educational pathway of an industry in view and to develop it in a targeted way.’

Matthias Jürgens
Board member
Hamburg Institute for Vocational Education and Training (HIBB)

‘It is close to my heart to play an active role in shaping Hamburg as the world’s third-largest aviation hub. Education and training are essential pillars of every cluster – and are being driven forward significantly by HCAT+. The openness with which knowledge is shared and solutions are developed together here is remarkable. For me, the real added value for the region lies in collaboration: if we succeed in pooling and purposefully strengthening education and training across the region, we will not only achieve economic success but also foster social progress.‘

Holger Alsago
Board member
HECAS e.V.

"I am involved in HCAT+ because the association works closely with industry, academia and education to develop targeted training opportunities in aviation and to create practical solutions for securing skilled professionals, a goal to which HAW Hamburg is pleased to contribute through its application-oriented teaching and international outlook."

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Wulf
Association member
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)

"I am committed to the HCAT+ board because securing young talent and developing skills are crucial for the future of aviation. Lufthansa Technik looks back on almost 70 years of training tradition – we want to bring this experience to the network so that, together with our partners, we can develop innovative approaches to training and further education and promote enthusiasm for technical professions."

Dr. Frank Bayer
Vice Chairman
Lufthansa Technik AG