St Pölten employers court apprentices despite rising unemployment

More than 30 businesses from the St Pölten region promoted apprenticeship opportunities at a local fair, even as unemployment continues to rise in Lower Austria, ORF reported.

About 600 young people attended the “Markttag der Lehre” apprenticeship fair in a large hall behind the main railway station. Some arrived with career plans already in mind. Selina Schachl said she was considering training as an electrician, while Assja Mosinovic hoped to start an apprenticeship at a bank. Tobias Mantler was exploring opportunities in wood and metal technology.

The event has been organised for 10 years by Generation Zukunft Plus, an association that connects young people with regional businesses. Its chairman, Heinz Amberger, said 34 leading companies in and around St Pölten could offer more than 70 different apprenticeships. Options include apprenticeships alongside or after the school-leaving examination, as well as opportunities for young people with disabilities.

Organisers also encourage parents to take part in career decisions. They said 75 per cent of young attendees came with a parent, and some were accompanied by grandparents.

The fair aims to encourage more girls to consider technical careers. Exhibitors brought information and tools for visitors to try. Last year, retail was the most popular apprenticeship choice among girls, followed by office administration and hairdressing, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Among boys, electrical engineering ranked first, followed by metalworking and automotive technology.