Educational Hubs, St Veit
History and Location
A dedicated educational campus has developed on Dr Arthur Lemisch Street, in the northern part of the town. Here, the Secondary Grammar School (BG/BRG), the College for Commercial Occupations (HLW), St Veit Secondary School, and the St Veit Vocational School stand in close proximity. Also located nearby is the Kelag Training Campus for apprentices. Together, they form the most important educational hub for young people from the town and the surrounding area.
The secondary schools were originally housed in other buildings. Due to limited space in the old primary school, it was decided in the 1980s to construct a federal school centre for the Grammar School and the HLW. In 1984, both schools moved into the new building, followed in 1985 by a wing for the lower grades and a large triple sports hall with outdoor facilities. During the 1990s and again in 2012/13, the site was extended and adapted to create additional classrooms. The present-day secondary school and the Kelag apprentice school were built in the 1950s, while the vocational school opened in 1967.
Grammar School and HLW – Higher Education at the Federal School Centre
Since the 1960s, the BG/BRG St Veit has developed from a branch of a Klagenfurt grammar school into an independent AHS (academic secondary school) with linguistic and scientific specialisations. Today, several hundred pupils attend the school, whose profile is shaped by modern foreign language instruction, digital education, and supplementary courses such as advanced modules and project-based learning.
The HLW St Veit is a higher vocational school with a commercial focus. It combines general education with business training, languages, project management, and practical subjects such as nutrition, tourism, and creative design. Work placements and cooperation with local companies prepare students for both university studies and professional life.
St Veit Secondary School – The Foundation of General Education
Just a few steps from the Federal School Centre lies St Veit Secondary School. Continuing the tradition of the former Hauptschule, it is today a modern school for pupils aged 10 to 14. Its focus lies on a solid general education, digital skills, social support, and a broad range of sports and creative activities. Many students go on to apprenticeships, vocational schools, or higher-level institutions on the same campus.
St Veit Vocational School – Training for Many Professions
Also located on Dr Arthur Lemisch Street, the St Veit Vocational School serves apprentices from a wide catchment area. Recognised as a modern, forward-looking institution, it currently offers training in around two dozen different professions.
Courses include trades and professions in chemistry, pharmaceutical and commercial assistance, drugstore work, metal technology, office and administration, finance and accounting, and information technology. In close cooperation with the Kelag Training Campus, a special emphasis is placed on electrical engineering. New occupational fields such as application development (coding), laboratory technology, and media design are also taught here.
In addition to vocational instruction, the school places great importance on environmental and sustainability projects. It has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and other educational certifications.
Kelag Training Campus – Technology in Practice
Also part of the wider educational network is the Kelag Training Campus. Here, apprentices from the energy company Kelag and Kärnten Netz AG receive practical training in well-equipped workshops. One key programme focuses on electrical engineering. Together with the vocational school, it forms a strong technical training base in St Veit.
Programmes such as “Apprenticeship with Matura” (A-levels), internal continuing education, and additional qualifications open additional educational pathways for young people, including progression to university studies.
