Vocatium Köln 2026 in Cologne, Germany

Vocatium Köln 2026 — a leading education and career orientation fair where school-age students, university students, and graduates connect with employers, universities, and career counseling centers.

The event takes place at XPOST, Gladbacher Wall 5, 50670 Köln. The format includes exhibition booths, direct interactions with company representatives, lectures, consultations, and career advice. Admission is free.

History of Vocatium Köln

The first Vocatium was organized in 2014.

Over the years, the event has grown: new industries and formats have been added, with an increased focus on consultations, dual education (combining study and work), as well as social programs and internship opportunities.

Recent editions have recorded a significant number of visitors and participating organizations, making Vocatium Köln 2026 one of the top career orientation platforms in the North Rhine-Westphalia region.

Video about the Vocatium Köln

Advantages of Vocatium Köln over other fairs

• Precise focus on dialogue: participants pre-schedule one-on-one conversations with students, making interactions targeted and effective.
• Wide range of participants: companies, higher education institutions, counseling agencies, and public authorities.
• Schedule tailored to students — starting early in the morning and ending by mid-afternoon, fitting well with school schedules.
• Diverse offerings: from traditional professions and studies to internships, dual education, volunteering, and international programs.
• Convenient venue — XPOST is located in Cologne with excellent transport accessibility.
• High-quality preparation: schools often prepare students in advance to ensure effective communication with exhibiting companies.

Scale of the event

According to organizers, the fair hosts approximately 100-110 exhibitors and several thousand visitors: an estimated 6,000-7,000 attendees over the two-day event.

Participant categories include companies, higher education institutions, and public and private counseling organizations.

Six notable organizations at Vocatium Köln 2026

• Bayer. A major international company in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector. Participated in Vocatium Köln 2026, offering internships and career path presentations for students and graduates.
• Deutsche Bahn. A railway operator and major employer with diverse vocational training programs. Provides information on technical and logistics professions.
• Mercedes-Benz. The automotive industry attracts young people with technological challenges, digitalized production, and sustainable solutions. At the fair, Mercedes-Benz showcases its dual education programs and innovations.
• Lidl. A leading retailer offering training and career starts in logistics, management, and customer service. At Vocatium Köln 2026, Lidl participates with consultations and career orientation booths.
• Deichmann. A shoe retail chain offering opportunities in retail, logistics, and store management. Presents information on job openings and opportunities for young people.
• ITZBund (Informationstechnikzentrum Bund). A federal IT center providing opportunities in IT training and digital infrastructure. At Vocatium, it offers consultations and potential internships or IT training programs.

Recommendations for visitors to Vocatium Köln

• Arrive early. The first hours offer the best chance to meet with companies before the main crowd.
• Prepare a resume, portfolio, or a brief introduction about yourself — many employers and universities ask about experience and motivation.
• Review the list of exhibitors in advance on the official website and mark those you’re particularly interested in.
• Attend lectures and consultations — they provide insights into real labor market requirements and educational opportunities.
• Wear comfortable clothing — expect a lot of walking between booths and discussion areas.
• Use public transport — XPOST is located in Cologne with nearby transport stops; parking is available but may be busy in the morning.

Categories of offerings at Vocatium Köln

• Education: universities, Fachhochschulen, higher education institutions, and academies.
• Professions and training: companies offering Ausbildung, dual education, and internships.
• Counseling: employment agencies, career counseling, and volunteering programs.
• Programs for internships, international exchanges, and preparation for working life.
• Technological professions, IT departments, and technical specialties.
• Social and public services, retail, logistics and transport, and healthcare.

How to participate as an exhibitor at Vocatium Köln 2026 and booth-building opportunities

• Register through the vocatium.de website in the “Aussteller finden / Aussteller werden” section. After submitting your application, you’ll receive technical conditions and instructions.
• Choose your participation format: standard booth, counseling booth, or zonal solutions.
• For companies aiming to stand out: collaborate with ESBAU — a professional exhibition booth builder in Europe. You can rent a standard booth or order a custom-designed booth with branding and logistics services.
• Prepare materials: presentations, brochures, visual media, and possibly digital portfolios.
• Confirm setup timelines and XPOST venue requirements for power supply, safety, and sound.