Supplementary Measures to Support Integration into Apprenticeship Training and the Labor Market

The nationwide Austrian funding initiative supports complementary measures for the supraregional integration of adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 25 into apprenticeship training and the labor market. The focus is particularly on individuals with a migration background as well as asylum seekers and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection who have special integration needs. Sustainable projects for apprenticeship placement and targeted preparation of prospective apprentices are funded. The funding is provided as a grant with a budgeted volume of 10 million euros and is offered on an ongoing basis. Applications can be submitted at any time through apprenticeship offices or chambers of commerce, with no application fees.

Companies, non-profit organizations, and public institutions are eligible to apply for funding, provided their project concept offers added value for the supraregional integration of participating individuals. The legal basis is § 19c of the Vocational Training Act, which regulates the promotion of in-company training of apprentices. The goal is to improve young people's chances in the labor market and reduce youth unemployment through tailored support services. Experts from the chambers of commerce provide information on application procedures and funding requirements and accompany project implementation from planning to accounting.