Austria's Apprenticeship System: A Historical Perspective

Apprenticeships have long been a part of Austria's educational system, with about 40% of Austrian teenagers entering apprenticeship training after completing compulsory education (at age 15). This number has been stable since the 1950s, and in 2021, 38.7% of 15-year-olds in Austria entered a recognised apprenticeship. The country has a strong tradition of vocational education, and apprenticeships are emphasised as a key component to address skills gaps and support youth employment. In the 1900s, Austria-Hungary was experiencing rapid economic growth and industrialisation, which likely contributed to the importance of apprenticeships in the country.

Apprenticeship training in Austria is organised in a school system with long-term training parts

The "dual system" is a long-standing tradition in Austria, based on the principle of "learning in practice for practice". It is governed by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsausbildungsgesetz, BAG), which defines apprenticeships as contract-based training programmes where individuals are trained by authorised trainers to learn a specific occupation. The BAG sets out clear and enforceable rules for both parties, covering working conditions, the requirement for a written contract, the right to proper training, and social security coverage.

Every year, around 40% of each age cohort in Austria enters the apprenticeship system after completing compulsory schooling. The five most popular trades for apprentices are retail salesperson, clerk, car mechanic, hairdresser, and cook.

The person responsible for overseeing the training within a company is called a "Lehrherr" or "Ausbilder". An Ausbilder must prove their professional qualifications, have no criminal record, and be considered an otherwise respectable person. This ensures that apprentices receive a high standard of training and are well-prepared for their chosen occupation.

The "dual system" of apprenticeship training in Austria offers a well-structured approach that combines practical and theoretical learning. By working closely with companies and educational institutions, the Austrian government is able to provide quality education and training opportunities for young people, helping to address skills gaps and support youth employment.

Apprenticeships in Austria are regulated by the Vocational Training Act

The VTA sets out clear and enforceable responsibilities for both parties, including rules on working conditions, the obligation to have a written apprenticeship contract, the right to proper training, a regular wage, holidays, and time off to attend vocational school. Apprentices are also entitled to full social security coverage, including sickness, accident, pension, unemployment, and insolvency benefits.

The VTA was amended in 2020 to allow part-time apprenticeships for people with childcare responsibilities or health problems. Apprentices can agree with providers to reduce working hours by up to 50%, extending the apprenticeship period by up to two years. This amendment also introduced short-time work for apprentices to protect apprenticeship places during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The VTA ensures that apprenticeships are accessible to young people and adults, including those with special educational needs. It also enables apprentices to obtain a formal professional qualification, even if they have not completed any formal training.

The VTA is jointly enforced by the Federal Minister of Labour and Economy, the Federal Advisory Board on Vocational Education and Training, and the Institute for Educational Research of the Economy.

The Youth Guarantee in Austria has been instrumental in promoting apprenticeship and traineeship programmes

• 'Training until 18' (AusBildung bis 18): This initiative ensures that all Austrian youth under the age of 18 receive education beyond compulsory schooling, such as advanced or vocational training. It involves cooperation between ministries, interest groups, regions, and companies to improve educational opportunities and career guidance for young people.
• 'Supra-company apprenticeship training' (Überbetriebliche Lehrausbildung): This programme provides young people with practical skills in specific fields through in-company training and compulsory attendance at a part-time vocational school.
• Specialised Vocational Information Centres: These centres provide guidance and counselling on apprenticeships and traineeships, helping young people make informed choices about their career paths.
• Subsidies and extended programmes: The government offers subsidies to companies and extends programmes in various sectors to support the integration of young people into the labour market.
• Tailor-made services: To meet the evolving needs of young people, the government provides services such as language courses and international internships (Auslandspraktikum für Lehrlinge).
• 'Training Guarantee until 25' (Ausbildungsgarantie bis 25): This programme, led by the Public Employment Service (AMS), focuses on young adults aged 19-24 who have only completed compulsory schooling. It offers them the chance to obtain vocational qualifications and gain a permanent foothold in the labour market through intensive skilled worker training and workplace-related qualifications.
• Financial support: The Austrian government provides financial support for apprenticeship training, especially for women in male-dominated fields, disadvantaged job seekers, and early school leavers. This support is offered through various channels, such as the Public Employment Service (AMS) and the Chamber of Commerce (WKO).

The Youth Guarantee in Austria has played a crucial role in promoting apprenticeship and traineeship programmes, ensuring that young people have access to quality education and training opportunities that address skills gaps and support their transition into the labour market.

Apprenticeship training in Austria is provided through a dual system, which includes both in-company training and compulsory attendance at a part-time vocational school for apprentices

Apprenticeship Training in Austria: The Dual System

Apprenticeship training in Austria is provided through a dual system, which includes both in-company training and compulsory attendance at a part-time vocational school. This system is commonly referred to as the 'dual vocational training system' or simply the 'dual system'.

The Dual System

Every year, around 40% of each age cohort in Austria enters the apprenticeship system after compulsory schooling. In 2021, 38.7% of 15-year-olds in Austria entered a recognised apprenticeship after compulsory schooling, making it the most popular choice of upper secondary education in terms of enrolment numbers.

In-Company Training

Apprenticeships in Austria are regulated by the Vocational Training Act (VTA), which defines them as a contract-based training programme in which individuals are trained by authorised trainers to learn a specific occupation included in the list of apprenticeship occupations. The VTA sets out clear and enforceable responsibilities for both parties, including rules on working conditions, the obligation to have a written apprenticeship contract, the right to proper training, a regular wage, holidays and time off to attend vocational school, and full social security coverage. Apprenticeships can last between two and four years, with three years being the general rule.

Part-Time Vocational School

In addition to in-company training, apprentices are required to attend a part-time vocational school, also known as a 'Berufsschule'. The teaching provided by the part-time vocational school can be delivered in the following ways:

• For a whole year, involving attendance on a minimum of one full day or two half days per week.
• On a course-specific basis, in other words for a continuous period of at least eight weeks.
• On a seasonal basis, in other words, in a block held at a specific time of the year.

Support for Apprentices

The Austrian government provides support for apprenticeship training through various initiatives, including:

• The Youth Guarantee in Austria (Jugendgarantie Österreich), which ensures that every young person has access to vocational training.
• The Training Guarantee, which ensures that every young person under the age of 18 receives education beyond compulsory schooling.
• The 'Education/Training until 18' initiative, which aims to better coordinate and improve educational opportunities for young people.
• The 'Training Guarantee until 25' programme, which emphasises education and training as the key to sustainable labour market integration for young adults aged 19-24 with only compulsory schooling.
• Financial support for companies and educational institutions that are authorised to provide apprenticeship training.
• Career guidance and counselling services provided by various educational institutions, public authorities and social partners.

The average apprenticeship takes between two and four years

Apprenticeship training in Austria is organised in a school system with long-term training parts. The average apprenticeship takes between two and four years, with three years being the general rule. This training is based on the "learning in practice for practice" principle and has a long tradition in the country.

The dual system of apprenticeship training in Austria includes both in-company training and compulsory attendance at a part-time vocational school for apprentices, also known as 'Berufsschule'. This system is commonly referred to as the 'dual vocational training system' or simply the 'dual system' (Ablauf der Lehrausbildung).

Apprenticeships in Austria are regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsausbildungsgesetz, BAG), which defines them as contract-based training programmes. This legal framework sets out clear and enforceable responsibilities for both parties, including rules on working conditions, the obligation to have a written apprenticeship contract, the right to proper training, and full social security coverage.

The length of an apprenticeship can vary depending on the trade and the country. In Switzerland, for example, an apprenticeship can be 2, 3, or 4 years long, with the longer durations being more common. The duration of an apprenticeship can also depend on the age of the apprentice, as some apprenticeships have a recommended or required minimum age of 18.

In the past, apprenticeship was a common way to learn a trade or skill, and it could last anywhere from four to seven years. However, with the rise of industrialisation and changes in the economic landscape, the importance of apprenticeship has diminished, and it is now less vital than ever before.

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