80 vacancies

Ghost train job prospects: Prater is looking for staff

(Bild: Peter Tomschi)

The shortage of workers does not stop at Vienna's Wurstelprater. 13 companies have more than 80 vacancies to fill, according to the Prater Association. To ensure that all rides, snack stands and restaurants can reopen soon, staff are urgently needed. There is now even a job fair with "speed dating".

The Prater is one of the city's most popular leisure attractions. The rollercoaster, autodrome, Ferris wheel, ghost train, tagada and co. delight a large audience every year - whereby the spectrum of amusement devices ranges from suitable for small children to extremely adrenaline-pumping. A visit to one of the numerous restaurants, such as the famous Schweizerhaus, is usually a must during a visit to the fairgrounds.

Showmen's assistants and technicians wanted
The list of shortage occupations is as varied as the range on offer. The Prater companies are naturally looking for people who work directly on the rides, i.e. showmen's assistants. But men and women who have completed training as technicians, electricians, mechatronics engineers or plumbers are also in demand.

(Bild: APA/HERBERT PFARRHOFER)

Schweizerhaus alone needs 25 new employees
The Prater restaurants also have a great need for workers. In the catering sector, waiters and waitresses or people to look after the numerous snack stands are urgently needed. The Schweizerhaus alone has 25 vacancies in the service area, according to the Prater Association, which represents a total of around 60 members.

"The labor shortage is one of the biggest challenges facing our Prater businesses," said Silvia Lang, President of the association, and Vice President Fredo Nemec in a joint statement. With too few employees, it is difficult for many to keep the business running, they warned - especially in view of the approaching start of the season. Although some attractions are also open in winter, the opening of the Schweizerhaus is seen as a kind of starting signal for the entire Prater. The event takes place on March 15.

(Bild: APA/HERBERT NEUBAUER)

200 applicants expected at "Speed Dating"
In order to be prepared for the coming months, a job fair is now being organized together with the Vienna Public Employment Service. The AMS has invited a total of 200 applicants for today, Tuesday. As with "speed dating", candidates will take it in turns to introduce themselves to potential employers at the event and hope for "matches".

In the best-case scenario, it is said, job offers could be made on the spot. However, the Prater entrepreneurs do not hide the fact that the job can be challenging. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find workers because in the leisure industry you are there for guests at the weekend, in the evening or in the summer months, explained Lang.

Interested parties only need enthusiasm for the job
She described working as a showman's assistant as an "ideal entry-level job". It is an apprenticeship, all that is needed is enthusiasm for the work. The companies would look after their staff, the head of the association affirmed. Many employees have been working in the Prater business for decades and are already part of the family.

AMS boss Johannes Kopf was confident that the meeting event would achieve its goal: "Job fairs are an excellent tool for bringing workers and companies together in a time-efficient manner. The AMS has been using this type of placement service since the 1990s, and it has also been available in digital form since the pandemic. Last year alone, we were able to fill 6527 vacancies across Austria via job exchanges."