
The number of available apprenticeship positions in Vienna in 2024 fell by 16.9% compared to the previous year, although the number of active apprentices remained largely unchanged from 2023, standing at 14,948.
The trade and craft sector continues to lead, accounting for a third of all vocational training for young people. There has been notable growth in apprenticeships in areas such as information technology, metal technology, bodywork engineering, refrigeration, civil engineering and event technology.
Across Austria, around 102,000 apprentices are currently being trained, with approximately 28,000 businesses offering apprenticeships in 230 different professions.
Fewer Open Positions for Apprentices
A recent study commissioned by the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the apprenticeship system. IV President Georg Knill has called for a “quality boost” in vocational schools, emphasising the growing dissatisfaction among employers with the skills apprentices are bringing from school.
The Chamber of Labour has also pointed out that businesses are not investing enough in apprenticeship training. A report from November 2023 highlighted that the number of apprentices has dropped from 120,579 in 2013 to 102,000 today.
“Apprenticeship Speed Dating”
In an effort to encourage more young people to consider apprenticeships, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce is organising an “Apprenticeship Speed Dating” event. Over four days, 200 businesses will meet with 1,300 students from Vienna. Last year, the event successfully matched 212 apprenticeships with young candidates.
Although apprenticeships are not always in the public eye, they recently gained attention during discussions about a new vegetarian/vegan cooking apprenticeship, which will begin in July 2025. Like the traditional chef apprenticeship, it will last three years.
Strong Career Prospects for Vocational School Graduates
Statistik Austria has recently evaluated the career prospects of graduates from vocational middle schools (BMS). The report concluded: “A BMS qualification is linked to a quick entry into the workforce and stable employment.”
The study found that 69% of BMS graduates stayed in their first job for at least a year. Among apprenticeship graduates, this figure stands at 64%. However, the retention rate is lower for graduates of general secondary schools (AHS), where only half remain in their first job.
Small Differences in Starting Salaries
According to Statistik Austria, the median gross income 18 months after completing a BMS is €2,389 per month. Apprenticeship graduates earn a slightly higher median salary of €2,615, while those who complete a higher vocational school earn €2,579 at the start of their careers.