Education and training
Vocational education and training:
In 1929, so-called “Indian hemp” was included in the precursor of the Narcotics Act in Germany for the first time. The why is not important at this point. However, the consequences are: while hemp was still of great economic importance in the 19th century, this marked the beginning of over 70 years of hemp prohibition in Germany, which became all-encompassing after the end of World War 2.
It was only in 1996 that the cultivation of commercial hemp was allowed again, but it has hardly developed since then. This is also due to knowledge about cultivation and processing that has been lost over the years. Entire occupational profiles have disappeared.
Initial vocational education and training:
In the area of initial vocational education and training (VET), it is essential to explore the future occupational profiles required in a rapidly evolving sector. With the increasing economic relevance of sustainable industries, the transition to a Circular Economy demands new skills and competencies. Linnaeus Kompetenzzentrum Hanf is committed to developing VET programs that integrate circular production processes, resource efficiency, and sustainable value chains. By aligning training with these principles, we ensure that professionals are equipped to meet the demands of an industry focused on innovation, environmental responsibility, and economic resilience.
The Linnaeus Competence Centre Hemp can build on a high level of expertise in the field of curricular and didactic development. In line with the design research approach, the relevant stakeholder groups (companies, training staff, trainees) are involved.
Continuing professional development:
The skilled workforce required to develop a sustainable and future-oriented industry can be trained through additional qualifications, including low-threshold upskilling programs. The integration of Circular Economy principles into training—such as resource-efficient cultivation, sustainable production processes, and closed-loop value chains—ensures that professionals are equipped to contribute to a regenerative and waste-reducing economy. These qualifications also create opportunities for individuals who have previously faced barriers in the traditional labor market, providing new career paths in a sector that values sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
The development and design of further education modules is part of the core competence of the Linnaeus Competence Centre Hemp. This is also reflected in the participation of our stakeholders in the partner network Vocational Education and Training for ESD of German UNESCO commission.
Higher education:
The academic treatment of hemp in research and teaching has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, hemp is a niche topic in this respect and is predominantly treated as such in existing research branches. In view of the future importance of the hemp industry, it is time to systematically introduce research and teaching to this importance.
The Linnaeus Competence Centre Hemp has set itself the task of initiating this systematisation process by developing a 2-year Master’s degree course (M.Sc.), accrediting it in cooperation with universities and establishing it as a degree course. Here, too, relevant stakeholder groups (e.g. students) are involved in the development process.