A recent survey by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber revealed that 73% of companies in Austria suffer from a severe shortage of skilled labor. This shortage has significantly impacted key sectors such as construction, tourism, and engineering. For instance, the construction sector faces around 24,000 unfilled vacancies, leading to project delays and increased costs.
Similarly, the tourism sector struggles with service quality due to a lack of skilled staff, while the engineering sector’s innovation and project execution are hampered. Historically, Austria has faced challenges in maintaining a steady supply of skilled labor, but the current situation is unprecedented, with nearly 40% of companies unable to find qualified young candidates.
Several factors contribute to this shortage, including an aging population, inadequate training programs, and a mismatch between education and industry needs. Many businesses are forced to turn down new orders and overburden existing staff, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. The education system’s misalignment with labor market demands results in graduates who are not adequately prepared for the job market.
Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from the government, educational institutions, and industry leaders to develop targeted training programs, promote vocational education, and create incentives for young people to enter high-demand professions. Here are few in-demand skills that address the key challenges mentioned above.
Which Skills are in Demand in Austria?
Austria is seeing a big demand for certain skills that are key to its economic growth and technological progress.
This article looks at the top 10 in-demand skills in Austria based on industry trends and expert analysis. These skills are for professionals who want to succeed in Austria’s competitive job market.
1. Cybersecurity Skills
Cybersecurity is a growing skill in Austria, driven by the need to protect infrastructure and data. The incidents of cyberattacks in Austria are increasing every year. ITA (International Trade Administration) says most Austrian SMEs are at risk of cyber attacks. And did you know 99.6% of the Austrian market is SMEs.
To tackle this situation, the country is looking for more skilled people in the private sector.
According to the Austrian Embassy, the country is increasing its cybersecurity capabilities to counter rising threats, especially since it’s a strategic player in Europe.
Plus, the Federal Criminal Police Office is doubling the number of IT investigators who investigate cybercrime better. That’s why Cybersecurity is a skill that will take you far in Austria.
The demand for cybersecurity specialists is growing as businesses prioritize data protection and compliance with European regulations.
2. AI & ML Skills
Austria is one of the countries that has understood the importance of AI and ML in the early stages. The country comes with a plan to position itself among the top AI countries in the world.
In order to do this, it has established 3 of the 40 European ELLIS units in the world to promote AI learning and even made reforms in AI usage.
Furthermore, both Government and private-sector Austrian companies have been raising funds to keep their AI ecosystem working.
One fine example is Cortical.io, which raised €7.5 million from the European Investment Bank for AI innovation.
Amidst these scenarios of growth in AI and ML in Austria, DEVjobs report a rise in the number of AI and ML related jobs, mainly in profiles such as AI Developers, Data scientists and AI Ethicists.
3. Cloud Computing Skills
Cloud computing skills are in demand in Austria as cloud services are being adopted across industries. Statista says the public cloud market in Austria will reach 3,193 million in 2024.
According to the latest stats, cloud-related job postings dropped by 17.59%. However, the number of vacancies in Cloud Computing jobs is still 600+ in the month of January 2024.
Companies are moving to cloud solutions to be more flexible and scalable, so cloud computing skills are key for professionals to manage these transitions.
4. Business Management Skills
The demand for Business Managers and administrators is on the rise in Austria. migration.gv.at lists management positions in Austria’s shortage occupations, so professionals who can make strategic decisions and lead teams are needed. These skills are crucial to Austria’s competitiveness in the global market as the country focuses on growth and innovation.
5. Nursing Skills
Nursing is one of the most wanted professions in Austria because of the aging population. Registered Nurse Vienna shows the ongoing need for skilled nurses to cover the healthcare needs in urban and rural areas.
There is a shortage of nurses; Austria needs 76,000 more healthcare professionals by 2030 to meet its healthcare needs. Nursing skills are key to ensuring the continuous delivery of good healthcare services in the country.
6. Software Development Skills
Software development is a growing field in Austria, with a high demand for developers. According to Mobilunity, Austrian companies are now actively looking for more and more people with good software development skills.
This growth is due to the need for coding, software engineering, and application development skills. Lastly, Austria’s strong tech scene and good wages make it one of the most livable places for software developers.
7. Mobile App Development Skills
Mobile app development is a growing industry in Austria because of the increasing use of mobile technologies.
As Austrian businesses are focusing more on their digital presence, the demand for mobile app developers is increasing; this is a highly sought-after skill in the Austrian job market.
DevWorkplaces says Android developers in Austria earn a decent salary too.
8. Agile Project Management Skills
Agile project management is getting more important in Austria, especially in the tech and software development sector. Agile methodologies are being used widely to improve project efficiency and adaptability. PMI (Project Management Institute) Austria reports, shortage of Scum Masters and Agile Coaches in Austrian companies.
The demand for professionals with knowledge of agile project management skills is growing as companies want to increase their productivity and responsiveness to market changes.
These skills are key to managing complex projects and delivering success in Austria’s competitive business environment.
9. Data Analysis Skills
Data analysis is a key skill in Austria as businesses want to use data for decision-making.
Companies are now investing in data analysis capabilities to get insights from big data, especially in the finance, healthcare, and marketing sectors.
With an increased demand for data-driven decision-making across various industries, data scientists, AI and ML specialists, data analysts, and clinical scientists are highly sought after.
Data analysis skills are key to innovation and business success in Austria. Therefore, they are highly valued in the country.
10. Marketing Skills
As per DatarePortal, Austria’s internet penetration rate was found to be nearly 95.7% during the start of this year. The data from the ITA (International Trade Administration) reports a rise in the number of people who prefer to shop online.
Plus, experts and observers in the Austrian job market have noticed that the growing popularity of the internet and social media has added to significant job growth in Austria. Mainly an increase in the number of job profiles, from social media managers to photographers and videographers.
How to Improve Your Skills for the Austrian Job Market?
The question is, how can you work on these skills? It is important to understand that to get ahead in the competitive Austrian market, you need to have a skillset that meets the market standards. Whether you are a working professional or a business owner, here are a couple of ways you can refine or learn these skills.
Program by European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
The 2023 National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Policy Briefs by Cedefop highlight significant strides in making VET systems more agile, resilient, and attractive across EU countries such as Austria, Iceland, and Norway. Key trends include updating VET curricula to align with industry changes, introducing flexible pathways to adapt to labor market demands, and increasing participation in work-based learning (WBL) through expanded apprenticeship programs.
Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Wirtschaft (Dual Vocational Training and Skills in Austria)
Austria’s vocational training system, particularly the dual vocational education and training (VET) system, is designed to address the dynamically growing challenges posed by digitalization, climate change, and globalization. This system combines in-company training with part-time vocational schooling, ensuring that apprentices spend about 80% of their training time in companies and 20% in vocational schools.
To further enhance the attractiveness and effectiveness of the VET system, Austria has implemented several supportive measures. These include tailored vocational training for disadvantaged youth, incentives for training companies, and support for internships abroad.
Mass
Massachusetts offers a variety of training programs through its official website, Mass.gov. One key program is the Training Opportunities Program (TOP), which allows individuals to collect unemployment benefits while attending full-time, approved training to acquire new job skills. This program is designed to help unemployed individuals become re-employed by gaining new skills. Participants can receive up to 26 weeks of additional benefits if their training extends beyond their initial unemployment claim.
Additionally, the Commonwealth Learning and Professional Development resources provide career and professional development opportunities for executive department employees. This includes the MassAchieve platform, which offers required training and career advancement programs, and the Training and Career Ladder program, which supports career growth within the state government. Other notable programs include the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers, the Rapid Response Program, and various vocational rehabilitation services.
Higher Technical Institutes (HTLs)
The Higher Technical Institute (HTL) in Austria offers a robust education system designed to train future engineers and skilled workers across various technical disciplines. The HTL provides high-quality theoretical and practical training in fields such as civil engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, electronics, information technology, computer science, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, materials engineering, and industrial engineering.
The system includes several study forms, including a five-year program starting at age 14, an evening school model for those who have completed their apprenticeship, a two-year program for those with a matriculation examination, and a four-year Fachschule program for technical skilled worker occupations.
These programs ensure that students receive both a solid general education and specialized technical training, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or further academic pursuits. The HTL system is closely integrated with industry, ensuring that the training remains relevant and up-to-date with current technological advancements. This integration helps maintain a steady supply of skilled labor, addressing the needs of various sectors and contributing to Austria’s economic growth.
Summary
Austria’s job market is changing fast, and the demand for skills that drive economic growth and technological innovation is growing.
By getting expertise in areas like Python programming, Cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing, professionals can be successful in Austria’s competitive environment.
Whether through vocational training, online learning, or professional development programs, getting these in-demand skills will be the key to success in Austria’s job market.
If you want your company to improve in different fields, Edstellar is the best option in terms of quality content, training modes, and industry-specific insights. The company offers meticulously curated courses that are designed by industry experts, ensuring that learners receive up-to-date and relevant information. The training is presented in an engaging and interactive instructor-led format, making it easy for users to absorb complex concepts.
Additionally, Edstellar regularly updates its course modules to reflect the latest trends and advancements. It offers end-to-end skill management services, including courses, tools to analyze skill gaps through its Skill Matrix Tool, and coaching services for senior executives, further solidifying its impact on both organizational and professional development.
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