Bridging the Skills Gap: How BFI Vienna Tackles Labor Market Challenges
The BFI Vienna, with its subsidiaries BFI Vienna University of Applied Sciences, Schools of the BFI Vienna (HAK/HAS), and the social enterprise Job-TransFair GmbH, is a powerhouse in vocational training and continuing education. Employing around 900 staff and working with over 1,000 independent trainers, they play a crucial role in equipping roughly 35,000 individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the Austrian job market each year.
A Paradoxical Landscape: Youth Unemployment and the Skills Shortage
Franz-Josef Lackinger, managing director of BFI Vienna since 2011, highlights a crucial paradox facing the Austrian economy: “The market no longer works by itself.” Despite rising youth unemployment, numerous companies struggle to find qualified apprentices. This discrepancy reveals a significant skills gap, demanding innovative solutions.
BFI Vienna steps in to bridge this chasm.
One key strategy is the ÜBA, a program that fosters inter-company apprenticeship training. This model allows young individuals to gain diverse work experiences across different companies, equipping them with a broader skillset and making them more desirable to employers.
Tailoring Training to Meet Market Needs
Beyond apprenticeships, BFI Vienna focuses on crafting bespoke training programs designed to align with the specific needs of the economy.
Lackinger emphasizes the importance of a tailored approach: “We train ‘tailor-made’ specialists for the economy, including their placement at job and speed dating events.”
This meticulous approach extends to addressing the mismatch between company expectations and job seeker skillsets. Recognizing that the problem transcends generations, BFI Vienna extends its efforts to assist workers of all ages, not just Gen Z, in upskilling and adapting to evolving industry demands.
AI for All: Democratizing Access to Future Skills
Recognizing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence, BFI Vienna has proactively incorporated AI training into its curriculum.
Lackinger states: ‘It no longer affects the IT and technology elite, but actually everyone on the job market.”
BFI Vienna offers a wide array of AI-focused courses, ranging from introductory ChatGPT workshops to comprehensive AI training programs at their specialized Coders.Bay Vienna facility. By democratizing access to AI education, BFI Vienna aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated future.
## Looking Ahead: Education Trends for 2025
BFI Vienna remains dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, constantly adapting its offerings to reflect emerging trends and technological advancements. The organization is focused on ensuring that its programs remain relevant and provide individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the job market of tomorrow.
To learn more about BFI Vienna’s initiatives and explore how you can benefit from their offerings, visit their website.
How does BFI Vienna ensure its training programs align with the evolving needs of the workforce?
Abschnitt
## Bridging the Skills Gap: A Conversation with Franz-Josef Lackinger
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Mr. Lackinger. Let’s discuss the fascinating work BFI Vienna is doing to address Austria’s skills gap.
**Franz-Josef Lackinger:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pressing issue across Europe, as highlighted by Cedefop’s recent findings [[1](https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/news/skill-shortages-europe-which-occupations-are-demand-and-why)]. Despite youth unemployment, many companies struggle to find qualified workers.
**Interviewer:** It seems counterintuitive. How does BFI Vienna help bridge this gap?
**Franz-Josef Lackinger:** We take a multi-pronged approach. One initiative is the ÜBA program. This inter-company apprenticeship model exposes young people to diverse work environments, equipping them with a wider range of skills that are highly valued by employers.
**Interviewer:** That’s certainly innovative. What other strategies does BFI Vienna employ?
**Franz-Josef Lackinger:** We constantly adapt our training programs to meet market demands. By working closely with companies, we ensure our curriculum reflects the skills urgently needed in the workforce.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like BFI Vienna plays a vital role in keeping Austria’s economy competitive.
**Franz-Josef Lackinger:** Indeed, by investing in people and their skills, we contribute to a stronger and more adaptable workforce. This not only benefits individuals but strengthens the entire Austrian economy.