Incentives in Austria

The state finances parts of the costs of the company-based apprenticeship training, both indirectly and directly. A large number of direct state subsidisation options exist for training companies. In addition, quality-oriented subsidisation options are also available. Recent incentives include subsidisation for guidance, counselling, care and support services and subsidisation schemes for apprenticeship posts for disadvantaged young people.

Basic subsidy

The company providing training can apply for a basic subsidy by the end of every year of apprenticeship. The aim of the basic subsidy is to support the company to cover the costs for remuneration and social security contribution that arise for companies during their apprentices’ schooling periods. The amount of the subsidy depends on the year of training and on the remuneration paid. Based on the respective collective agreement the subsidy for apprentices is as follows.

• For apprentices in the 1st year of training companies receive three gross apprenticeship remunerations (pursuant to the respective collective agreement),
• For apprentices in the 2nd year they receive two
• For those in the 3rd and 4th year one
• In the vent that the apprenticeship period is 3.5 years, companies receive half of the remuneration in the last (half) year of training
• In the event that credits are awarded for apprenticeship periods and if apprenticeship periods are reduced, the basic subsidy will be calculated on aliquot basis.

Quality-oriented and system related subsidisation options

• Training measures that go beyond the job profile (e.g. obligatory or voluntary training alliance measures, job-specific additional competences for apprentices, preparatory courses for the final apprenticeship examination)
• Measures for apprentices with learning difficulties (e.g. remedial courses in German, mathematics and modern foreign languages)
• Internships abroad including related language courses for apprentices
• Support with boarding school costs during a visit to a vocational school
• Support for professional development measures of initial vocational education trainers
• Contribution to apprentices who passed the final apprenticeship exam “with distinction” or “good pass”

Project funding and benefits

• Projects to support equal access for women and men to the different apprenticeships
• Projects to support integration into the dual system as well as supra-regional placement to an apprenticeship vacancy
• Projects to support quality management and innovation in company-based training

In order to increase participation in apprenticeship training and raise the chance of a successful completion (i.e. reduce or prevent dropouts) advisory, mentoring and support services are promoted. These include, for example, the following:

• Coaching and counselling for apprentices as well as training companies
• The provision of training guides for apprenticeships
• Ensuring the quality of the apprenticeship-leave exam by setting up a Clearing Office

The entire funding regime is already digitized and is being increasingly adopted by apprenticeship companies.  

The Public Employment Service in Austria (AMS) also runs subsidisation schemes for apprenticeship posts designed to integrate groups into the labour market that face certain challenges (e.g. young women in apprenticeships with a low share of women, disadvantaged apprenticeship seekers). Companies participating in this programme receive a flat-rate grant towards the costs of the apprenticeship.