Austria’s Labour Minister Korinna Schumann has announced important new Austria job priorities for the country’s public employment service (AMS). The government seeks to more effectively integrate specific groups into employment. These include individuals who have recently moved to Austria, women, and older workers.
Speaking this week, Minister Schumann highlighted considerable untapped employment potential within these demographics. She appeared alongside AMS board member Petra Draxl and WIFO labour-market economist Helmut Mahringer. Furthermore, the administration plans to address a projected shortage of about 51,000 workers with intermediate qualifications between 2024 and 2029.
For newly arrived individuals, particularly women, the government aims for faster access to the labour market. This initiative also involves better coordination among the AMS, Austria’s provinces, and social assistance authorities. Petra Draxl emphasized the need for improved cooperation at various systemic junctures.
Moreover, identifying candidates for specialist or professional training will be a key objective. The AMS will provide assistance to help these individuals pursue such qualifications. However, Monday’s announcement did not detail a new nationwide program, specific eligibility criteria, or a clear timetable for these measures. Consequently, further discussions are necessary before concrete changes emerge.
Some existing AMS programs offer insight into the potential support structures. For example, AMS Vienna’s 2026 program already prioritizes the labour-market integration of people with migration and refugee backgrounds. Measures in the capital include German-language support combined with training, multilingual advice, and specialized job fairs. AMS Vienna also focuses on recognizing foreign qualifications and supporting basic education programs.
This strategic shift partly addresses demographic realities. Research by the AMS earlier this year indicated a need for increased employment participation from women, older people, and those with migrant backgrounds. This is crucial as Austria’s working-age population evolves. Therefore, targeted immigration and enhanced domestic training are vital for meeting future workforce demands. These new Austria job priorities are designed to strengthen the nation’s economic future.
