Union: Anyone who doesn’t train apprentices should pay

“If 86 percent of companies withdraw from training but later poach the fully trained specialists from the remaining 14 percent, this is a lack of solidarity and economically short-sighted,” said Binder. According to Binder, it is still unclear what amounts will be involved. Another requirement is that there should be mandatory further training for trainers in companies. There should be stricter controls and noticeable consequences for violations – for example against the Working Hours Act and the protection of minors. In addition, the teaching should be carried out “fair income and bonuses” become more attractive.

Last year there was 5,500 young peoplewho have looked for an apprenticeship in vain. If you include those who were in training or inter-company training, around 20,000 young people a regular training position, the trade unionists said.

At the same time, the number of active training companies fell 38,132 in 2007 to 25,168 companies by the end of 2025. The number of apprentices in the first year of training fell from 38,518 in 2000 to 30,625 trainees most recently. However, there are regional differences when it comes to open apprenticeships: While apprentices are being sought in the western federal states, there is a lack of corresponding training positions in the eastern federal states – and especially in Vienna.

High costs – less funding

There are not only regional differences in the apprenticeship market, he noted WIFO economist Helmut Mahringer to this. The number of apprenticeships available also depends on the economy, gender and individual professions. The trade unionists point to the tourism industry, for example, which complains about a lack of workers. Only 6.9 percent of all apprentices are employed in this industry and only 8 percent of companies would train apprentices.

WKO: Many companies cannot find suitable apprentices

Die Chamber of Commerce thinks little of the plans. Half of the companies (30 percent sure, another 23 percent perhaps) would train more apprentices if they could find enough suitable and interested young people. Of those companies that already provide training, almost 70 percent (48 percent certain and 20 percent perhaps) wanted to take on more apprentices.

However, many companies would not find an apprentice – and almost half of the companies providing training would only employ one apprentice, counters the WKO. In addition, training is increasingly shifting from smaller to larger companieswhile the number of apprentices per company is increasing. According to the WKO, the proportion of trainees in companies with more than 250 employees rose from 34.6 percent to 40.9 percent within ten years.

High training costs

This is also due to the increased costs of training: three years ago these were around 32,000 euros in the first year of training and 40,400 euros in the third year of training. Taking into account productivity and previous funding, training costs around 33,000 euros. The funding has now been significantly reduced. In-company apprenticeships help the state save money: an apprentice costs the public sector around 6,700 euros a year, while inter-company vocational training costs more than 23,000 euros.