On March 11, 2021, representatives of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the U.S. Department of Labor met for a first virtual exchange on the most important and timely topic of apprenticeships and “Dual Vocational Education and Training” (Dual VET).

The expert meeting, which was also attended by representatives of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, provided the opportunity for an in depth exchange on Austrian and U.S. apprenticeship policy, to present best practices and to learn from each other. Given the shortage of skilled workforce in many sectors of the U.S. economy — which has become a challenge for US and foreign companies alike — experts from both countries discussed ways to expand and improve apprenticeship opportunities and develop specific strategies to increase awareness.

In their opening remarks Austrian Ambassador Martin Weiss and DoL Associate Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Mark Mittelhauser strongly welcomed this Austrian-American initiative and stressed the crucial role of quality apprenticeship programs for companies and job seekers both in the United States and in Austria. Melina Schneider from the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and Josef Hochwald from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs presented the highly effective Austrian apprenticeship model based on company-based practical training combined with parallel part-time vocational school and mentoring.

Both sides agreed to continue their cooperation and explore options for further concrete cooperation in the field.

Further Reading:

The Dual System of Vocational Education and Training in Austria (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Vocational Education & Training: The Austrian Model (New Austrian Information, Vol.71)

Austria's EGGER Group Opens $700 Million Manufacturing Plant in North Carolina (October 2020)

Apprenticeship 2000 (North Carolina)