Relaxation demanded

Giving the unemployed a second chance

Unemployed people also lend a hand at Argentum in Mühldorf(Bild: Regionalverband Nockregion)

A newly founded project in Upper Carinthia aims to help unemployed people back into the world of work. However, initiators, mayors and supervisors are calling for the legal requirements to be eased... 

Helping with excavations, maintaining the cycle path around Lake Millstatt or lending a hand in the newly built Barabara Egger Park in Millstatt: These are the tasks that jobseekers have completed in the past year. And they did so as part of the Success Factor Culture Nature Nockregion project, which was launched by municipalities and the regional association the previous year. "We want to prepare unemployed people for the world of work again and integrate them," explains Nockregion boss Christine Sitter. The project, which is financially supported by the European Social Fund, the AMS and the state, has been running for a year (we reported).

Reports on experiences
A visit to "Krone" in Mühldorf shows that it is bearing fruit. Two employees there report on their experiences as helpers during excavations. "I'm happy to be able to work here, proud to be making a contribution," says one woman happily. For a young man who is currently changing jobs, working with archaeologist Stefan Pircher is bridging the gap. "I'm starting a new job in the summer. Instead of waiting at home, I'm registered here, have a job, learn new activities, acquire knowledge and earn money."

The people are looked after during their time with us and are prepared for the world of work.

Maria Aichholzer, Nockregion

Advantages and disadvantages of the project
The project not only helps the employees, says Mayor Erwin Angerer: "It is a support for the workplace itself. Valuable work is being done here."

People are being helped. But you can't see them as a number, you have to respond to them individually.

Stefan Pircher, Archäologe

However, there is also criticism of the project
"The time that the people we support are allowed to spend with us is limited," says Maria Aichholzer from the Nockregion. "After twelve months, they are often not yet ready for the real world of work, they simply need more time," observes archaeologist Pircher. Everyone agrees: "The regulations need to be relaxed here."