Carinthian initiatives

In search of skilled workers at home and abroad

(Bild: © Fritz-Press GmbH - Rights Managed (RM))

It is not only the various crises of recent years that are weighing on the Carinthian economy, but also home-grown problems that are slowing down growth and the attractiveness of the location.

"Somehow we will fill the gap of 50,000 people leaving the workforce by 2040," emphasized Timo Springer, President of the Federation of Austrian Industries, at the presentation of the economic survey. The state is also aware of the problem - the new Skilled Workers Agency will be launched on April 30. "The situation is threatening the existence of Carinthian companies in some cases, with many having to turn down orders because they have no workers," explains Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig. "With the agency, we want to bring qualified workers from abroad and integrate them here in the long term." The state is providing a budget of up to five million euros.

We are losing added value and prosperity due to the gap. For some companies, this threatens their very existence.

Landesrat Sebastian Schuschnig

The first phase focuses on the metalworking, electrical engineering and healthcare sectors. There is a pool of 300 workers from third countries, a third of whom are intended for the care professions. "In the economy, the shortage means less growth, but in the health sector it is a problem for society," emphasizes Provincial Councillor Beate Prettner, pointing to demographic change. "The baby boomers are retiring and birth rates have more than halved since 1960."

Provincial Councillor Beate Prettner, WK President Jürgen Mandl, Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig and Trenkwalder CEO Mark Pollok presented the new skilled workers agency.

(Bild: Felix Justich)

Getting people and keeping them here
With 6000 vacancies, the Chamber of Commerce welcomes the initiative. "It is a long-held wish that something is happening here," explains Jürgen Mandl, President of the Chamber of Commerce. "But it's not just the acquisition that's important, but that people stay for the long term." To ensure that this works, the state has brought in a competent partner in Trenkwalder. "If the process works, then the person stays," confirms CEO Mark Pollok. "We have networks worldwide and look at factors such as youth unemployment." The process takes up to nine months and costs companies 3500 euros per successful placement.

Apprentices and hurdles for business
IV is focusing more strongly on young people in Carinthia. "The agency is a first step, but we are looking forward to the apprenticeship competition with 70 participants," emphasizes Timo Springer. "Another big problem, however, is the bureaucracy monster. The paperwork costs companies a lot of money and time." Wage costs are also depressing the mood of companies.

IV President Timo Springer and IV Managing Director Claudia Mischensky not only presented the economic survey, but also an information booklet on the topic of prosperity in Austria.

(Bild: Felix Justich)

Nevertheless, there is a slight improvement in the mood of Carinthian companies - some want to invest again and hire employees. "However, the main problem is still the wage-price spiral we are in," warns Springer. "This is extremely inhibiting to growth. We need a turnaround so that we can become competitive again. We are in 24th place in the rankings, just ahead of Bahrain."