Apprenticeship in Austria

An apprenticeship in Austria can be a interesting option for internationals. It doesn’t matter whether you are a native speaker of German or have just learned German: Austria is an attractive country for dual vocational training. But how can you find an apprenticeship in Austria?

Finding an apprenticeship in Austria

An apprenticeship in Austria is very comparable to the German dual vocational training. Austria even has some additional advantages compared to Germany, such as its charming landscape, its proximity to vacation regions on the Mediterranean Sea and its good contacts to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

If you are interested in an apprenticeship in Austria, one of the most important questions for you is how to find such an apprenticeship. Here are the tips on how to start your search.

Take a look at the career pages of the largest companies in Austria

You can start your search for an apprenticeship in Austria by going to the career pages of the biggest companies in Austria. The bigger the companies are, the higher their profits are and the more employees work there, the higher are basically your chances to find very good apprenticeships with perspective here:

Search on the Internet

You can do the same for other companies you might know. Search via Google or Bing for the company name and the keyword “apprenticeship”.

In Austria there are many vacancies for apprenticeships in tourism and hospitality. But there are also interesting free apprenticeships in research, technology, chemistry and medicine.

In addition, Austria also has a state employment service (AMS), to which many vacant apprenticeships in Austria are reported. Here you can easily search for vacant apprenticeship positions throughout Austria. At the end of 2022, for example, there were more than 3,000 vacant apprenticeships in the fields of tourism, hospitality and leisure or 2,300 apprenticeships in the fields of mechanical engineering, metal, automotive reported here.

So as you can see, there are quite a number of apprenticeship positions here. Here you can also find all apprenticeship positions of small companies in the whole country.

Contact the Austrian Labor Market Service

While in Germany you can ask the employment agency for help in finding an apprenticeship, in Austria this is done by the Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS). You can also get advice and information about your education and career choice here. At the Vocational Information Center you can also get information about which companies generally train apprentices. Here you can also get help with applications and register as an apprenticeship seeker.

Find an apprenticeship with EURES

Furthermore, you can find an apprenticeship through the European Employment Service EURES. Jobs from Austria are also regularly advertised here. The advantage: companies that list their apprenticeship positions on EURES are generally open to applicants from abroad. Tip: If you are looking for an apprenticeship on EURES, do a search with the keyword “training” and another with the keyword “apprenticeship”.

Further possibilities

As in other places and countries, you can also look at advertisements in daily newspapers, district papers, regional newspapers, city magazines and Internet portals in Austria. If you have relatives, acquaintances or friends in Austria, you can also contact them. There are also open days and you can use work experience days/weeks for your search.

Here is a table displaying a few selected fields of apprenticeship in Austria, their starting salaries during the first year of apprenticeship, and potential salaries after completing the apprenticeship in the first year. Please note that these figures are approximate and may vary depending on the employer and the specific position.

How much can I earn with an apprenticeship in Austria?

The remuneration during apprenticeships can vary significantly due to a variety of factors that influence the compensation an apprentice receives. One of the key factors affecting pay is competition within the industry. In fields with a high demand for skilled workers and limited supply, companies may offer more competitive salaries to attract and retain talent. Another factor that may influence pay is the apprentice’s prior education and experience. Individuals with relevant skills, qualifications, or work experience may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary.

Commitment and motivation can also play a role in determining apprenticeship pay. Employers may offer performance-based incentives or raises for apprentices who demonstrate exceptional dedication, initiative, and progress throughout their training. Language skills can have an impact on compensation as well, particularly in fields where communication with customers, suppliers, or international partners is essential. Apprentices with strong language skills, particularly in the local language or other widely spoken languages, may have an advantage when negotiating their pay.

Finally, negotiation skills can make a difference in determining an apprentice’s salary. Being able to effectively communicate one’s value, skills, and experience to an employer can result in a more favorable compensation package. By understanding the various factors that influence apprenticeship pay, individuals can better prepare themselves to secure a fair and competitive salary within their chosen field.

The following orientation may give you a rough impression on the gross salaries per month:

Keep in mind that these figures are for illustrative purposes and should be considered as a general overview. Salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, company size, and individual performance.

Questions and answers

How to apply for an apprenticeship in Austia

Once you have found an apprenticeship offer in Austria that interests you, it is essential to carefully review the requirements and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This may include completing compulsory education, possessing specific skills or certifications, or having a particular level of language proficiency. Make sure to gather all necessary documents, such as your CV, educational certificates, proof of language skills, and any other relevant qualifications.

When preparing your application, tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific apprenticeship and company you are applying to. Emphasize your skills, experiences, and qualifications that are relevant to the position, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the profession and the company. Research the company’s values, mission, and work culture to better understand their expectations and show that you are a good fit for their organization. Let ChatGPT help you with the application.

After submitting your application, it is essential to be patient and follow up with the company or organization if you have not received a response within a reasonable time frame. If you are invited for an interview or an aptitude test, take the time to prepare by researching common interview questions, practicing your answers, and familiarizing yourself with the specific requirements of the apprenticeship. It is also important to dress appropriately and professionally for the interview, as first impressions matter.

If you are successful in securing the apprenticeship, be prepared to complete any necessary paperwork or administrative tasks, such as signing an apprenticeship contract, registering with the relevant authorities, or enrolling in a vocational school (Berufsschule). Additionally, if you are not an Austrian or EU/EEA national, ensure that you have the necessary permits and visas in place before starting your apprenticeship. By being proactive and organized, you can ensure a smooth transition into your apprenticeship and set the stage for a successful experience in Austria.

How does a typical onboarding process of an apprentice looks like in Austria?

The onboarding process for apprentices in Austria may vary depending on the company and the specific apprenticeship, but generally follows several key steps to ensure a smooth transition into the new role:

Signing the apprenticeship contract

The first step in the onboarding process is signing an apprenticeship contract (Lehrvertrag) with your employer. This legally binding document outlines the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship, such as the duration, apprenticeship allowance, working hours, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Registration with relevant authorities

Once the apprenticeship contract is signed, the employer typically registers the apprentice with the relevant authorities, such as the Chamber of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammer) or the Chamber of Labor (Arbeiterkammer). This registration ensures that the apprenticeship is recognized and regulated according to the legal requirements.

Enrollment in vocational school

In addition to practical training at the workplace, apprentices in Austria are required to attend vocational school (Berufsschule) to gain theoretical knowledge in their chosen profession. The employer or the apprentice will need to enroll in the appropriate vocational school, which usually entails submitting the necessary documents and ensuring that the apprentice’s schedule aligns with the school’s requirements.

Orientation and introduction

At the beginning of the apprenticeship, the employer usually provides an orientation session or introductory period to familiarize the apprentice with the company, its values, and policies. This may include an introduction to the company’s history, mission, and culture, as well as important information about workplace safety, confidentiality, and other policies.

Mentor or supervisor assignment

To ensure proper guidance and support throughout the apprenticeship, a mentor or supervisor is typically assigned to the apprentice. This experienced professional is responsible for providing practical training, answering questions, and monitoring the apprentice’s progress. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions with the mentor or supervisor are crucial for the apprentice’s development and success.

Integration into the team

The onboarding process also involves integrating the apprentice into their team or department. This may include team-building activities, informal meetings, or social events, allowing the apprentice to establish connections and relationships with their colleagues.

Ongoing support and evaluation

Throughout the apprenticeship, both the employer and the vocational school will provide ongoing support, feedback, and evaluation of the apprentice’s performance. Regular assessments and progress reports will ensure that the apprentice is on track to successfully complete their apprenticeship and gain the necessary skills and knowledge in their chosen profession.

By following these steps, the onboarding process in Austria aims to create a positive and supportive environment for apprentices, enabling them to succeed in their chosen profession and contribute to the growth of their employer and the overall economy.