Shortage of skilled workers: Villach relies on innovative apprentice training!

Shortage of skilled workers: Villach relies on innovative apprentice training!

The health and thermal spa resort Warmbad-Villach recently took an important step to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the tourism and health industry. The resort implements holistic apprenticeship training that focuses on the professional qualifications, innovation and appreciation of young talent. In doing so, it is responding to the challenge that the industry is increasingly feeling daily news reported.

An example of the positive development is 17-year-old Stephania Huber, who has been completing her apprenticeship at McDonald's in Spittal an der Drau since summer 2023. She found her dream job during a summer internship at the fast food giant and shows how important such offers are in getting young people interested in careers in this industry.

Skilled labor shortage – a serious problem

The situation on the labor market shows that there are massive bottlenecks, particularly in the healthcare system. According to recent reports, there are 47,436 vacant positions in the healthcare sector alone. This makes this sector one of the most affected areas, because a study by the Competence Center for Securing Skilled Workers shows that other professional groups such as physiotherapists, dental assistants and health and nursing staff are also in high demand, but there are not enough qualified applicants.

Demographic change will further exacerbate the problem, as more and more people need medical care. An insufficiently developed range of care and childcare options further exacerbates the situation. Skilled labor monitoring shows that there are as many as 42,000 unfilled positions in construction and related trades. Apart from health professions, there is also a shortage of skilled workers in public administration, retail and social services.

Initiatives against the shortage

The Warmbad-Villach initiative could be an important step forward. In order to counteract the ongoing shortage of skilled workers, creative solutions are required, including supporting apprenticeship training in other areas. At the same time, Genussland Carinthia is looking for the most popular local foods under the motto “My favorite Carinthian product”. This initiative is supported by various partners, including Kärntner Genuss innkeepers and influencers, who emphasize and promote regional quality products.

Another culinary hotspot in the region is Frierss Feines Haus in Villach, which has been enchanting guests' tastes for over ten years. Ice hockey fans and players in particular get their money's worth there and enjoy a wide selection of food.

Given the high number of vacancies and the numerous challenges, it is clear: companies must work together on a solution in order not only to maintain their offerings, but also to increase mutual appreciation of the skilled workers. This is the only way to pave the way out of the shortage of skilled workers.