- 2022Implementation
- 2023Implementation
- 2024Implementation
Background
Vocational orientation at the interface between lower and upper secondary level plays a particularly important role in Austria due to the strong differentiation of educational offers and the great importance of initial vocational training after completion of compulsory schooling.
At the same time, net-based information channels increasingly penetrate all areas of life and reach all age groups. It is logical to use these possibilities to provide services in vocational orientation, especially since digital end devices (mobile phones, tablets, computers) are increasingly the main information and research tools of the young target groups.
The great advantage of digital services and platforms is that they are not tied to a specific time or place and thus offer low-threshold access, especially for young people. The digital offer, just like the face-to-face offer, is at the service of a comprehensive and successful educational and career choice for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Objectives
- help and support in choosing initial vocational training primarily after compulsory schooling but also beyond;
- multilingual and low-threshold communication of the Austrian education system for parents and young people with a non-German first language;
- develop digital tools that are useful and usable in the long term and complement and support the existing ones;
- help maintain counselling and information services under restrictions, building on the COVID-19 pandemic experience.
Description
In addition to the activities of schools and the Public Employment Service, the Chamber of Labour (AK) and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) are important providers of services and tools for the vocational orientation of young people.
The Vienna Chamber of Labour (AK) has included the continuous development of its guidance services in the national implementation plan (NIP) 2022.
This includes the following measures.
Expansion and partial shifting of educational and career orientation offers into the digital space, such as the pandemic-related conversion of the classic occupational fair concept to digital components, using the example of the AK Vienna career information fair for young people (L14).
Creation of new and further development of existing low-threshold, digital career interest tools that support young people in their educational and career choices in a scientifically sound manner, such as the interest test Jopsy in the form of a mobile app. The existing app for the under 18 age group will be further developed for young adults over 18 in a next step. These apps can be used both individually and in class.
Survey of information needs, development and ongoing updating of concepts, brochures and teaching materials for pupils, parents and teachers. These activities concern the provision of multilingual and thus low-threshold information on the Austrian education system as videos and brochures, but also information...
In addition to the activities of schools and the Public Employment Service, the Chamber of Labour (AK) and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) are important providers of services and tools for the vocational orientation of young people.
The Vienna Chamber of Labour (AK) has included the continuous development of its guidance services in the national implementation plan (NIP) 2022.
This includes the following measures.
Expansion and partial shifting of educational and career orientation offers into the digital space, such as the pandemic-related conversion of the classic occupational fair concept to digital components, using the example of the AK Vienna career information fair for young people (L14).
Creation of new and further development of existing low-threshold, digital career interest tools that support young people in their educational and career choices in a scientifically sound manner, such as the interest test Jopsy in the form of a mobile app. The existing app for the under 18 age group will be further developed for young adults over 18 in a next step. These apps can be used both individually and in class.
Survey of information needs, development and ongoing updating of concepts, brochures and teaching materials for pupils, parents and teachers. These activities concern the provision of multilingual and thus low-threshold information on the Austrian education system as videos and brochures, but also information evenings and individual counselling for young people and parents. In principle, these activities are also offered by the Chamber of Labour in other provinces except Vienna, but to a different extent.
Other educational and career guidance providers such as the Public Employment Service or the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) are also increasingly creating digital information services as well as guidance settings. One recent example for digital solutions is the Berufe-VR [Occupation-VR] of the Economic Chamber, a digital platform that offers interactive VR videos on different professions and occupational areas. In the counselling facilities of the Economic Chambers, these VR videos can also be used via VR glasses.
In 2022, the measures and services were continued, expanded and optimised. The Chamber of Labour Vienna began with the further development of the existing Jobs app for the target group of adults.
In 2023, the measures and services were not only maintained but also optimised to better meet the needs of the target groups. The virtual company tours, a project by the Economic Chamber, offer an immersive experience into various professional fields through the use of 360° videos. These videos realistically showcase apprenticeships using virtual reality, allowing individuals to explore professions either on-site at companies or from the comfort of their homes. The tours offer a glimpse into typical work situations, helping users better understand different roles. Around 80 apprenticeships are presented, with over 50 of them available through 3D 360-degree videos. The selection is constantly being expanded.
The Vienna Chamber of Labour has expanded the Jopsy app. Initially designed for young people below 18, a version targeting adults aged 18 and over - entitled Jopsy+ was added. This image-based career guidance tool generates a personalised interest profile for users by assessing their responses to 60 images. Based on this profile, it suggests suitable career paths. Jopsy+ is particularly targeted at young adults exploring degree programmes, individuals returning to the labour market, and those considering a career change.
Bodies responsible
- Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO)
- Chamber of Labour (AK)
Target groups
Learners
- Learners in upper secondary, including apprentices
- Young people (15-29 years old)
- Learners with migrant background, including refugees
Education professionals
- Teachers
- Guidance practitioners
Thematic categories
Supporting lifelong learning culture and increasing participation
Lifelong learning refers to all learning (formal, non-formal or informal) taking place at all stages in life and resulting in an improvement or update in knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes or in participation in society from a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment-related perspective (Erasmus+, Glossary of terms, https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-d/glossary-common-terms). A systemic approach to CVET is crucial to ensure adaptability to evolving demands.
This broad thematic category looks at ways of creating opportunities and ensuring access to re-skilling and upskilling pathways, allowing individuals to progress smoothly in their learning throughout their lives with better permeability between general and vocational education and training, and better integration and compatibility between initial and continuing VET and with higher education. Individuals should be supported in acquiring and updating their skills and competences and navigating easily through education and training systems. Strategies and campaigns that promote VET and LLL as an attractive and high-quality pathway, providing quality lifelong guidance and tailored support to design learning and career paths, and various incentives (financial and non-financial) to attract and support participation in VET and LLL fall into this thematic category as well.
This thematic category also includes many initiatives on making VET inclusive and ensuring equal education and training opportunities for various groups of learners, regardless of their personal and economic background and place of residence – especially those at risk of disadvantage or exclusion, such as persons with disabilities, the low-skilled and low-qualified, minorities, migrants, refugees and others.
This thematic sub-category refers to providing high-quality lifelong learning and career guidance services, including making full use of Europass and other digital services and resources.
European priorities in VET
VET Recommendation
- VET as a driver for innovation and growth preparing for digital and green transitions and occupations in high demand
- VET as an attractive choice based on modern and digitalised provision of training and skills
Osnabrück Declaration
- Sustainability - a green link in VET
Subsystem
Further reading
Country
Type of development
Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Digital career guidance offers: Austria. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2024 update) [Online tool].
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/tools/timeline-vet-policies-europe/search/44491