Shortage of skilled workers: the view of an SME from Austria
A shortage of skilled workers has long been an issue not only in Switzerland. In Austria, too, SMEs are having trouble finding well-trained staff. We talked about this with Jürgen Rainalter, Managing Director of Getzner Werkstoffe in Bürs (Austria).
How does the shortage of skilled workers manifest itself in Austria?
Jürgen Rainalter: In general, the number of apprentices in Austria is decreasing, i.e. the very valuable dual basic training is declining as interest on the part of young people is falling. This makes it all the more important for companies to invest in employee training. There have never been any "fully trained" experts with Getzner materials know-how on the labor market, which is why the internal training effort has always been very high.
What regional differences are there, for example in relation to the situation in Vorarlberg and other border regions?
One point is well known: Bürs as the seat of the HQ is rather unknown as a place and for non-sportsmen at first glance rather not as attractive as a big city (Vienna, Munich, Innsbruck). Here, the larger cities in the east of Austria have a certain advantage. Therefore, marketing and publicizing of possible recreational and lifestyle opportunities are necessary. The advantages of a location in Vorarlberg: Vorarlbergers tend to be not very mobile, but very business loyal. Mountains, Lake Constance, safety represent the greatest incentive for foreign professionals.
What is your company doing specifically to attract skilled workers?
We focus on apprentice training in 4 apprenticeships (chemical laboratory technology, metal technology, IT, commercial) with a rotation system in related areas for the broadest possible employability after completion of the apprenticeship with the aim of taking on all apprentices. Furthermore, there is a trainee program with a focus on marketing, sales, product management or currently process engineering with a 12-18 month rotation program throughout the company. Overall, we offer extensive, excellent internal development opportunities (horizontal, vertical), in which comprehensive know-how and a good network are built up. There are qualification programs especially in production from machine operators to group leaders/shift leaders with internal training (labor law, quality, safety, etc.) and external training (leadership skills).
Recruiting is done in regional media, national job portals, or applicants bring new applicants (study/work colleagues). Social media and word of mouth (long-term stability of company growth, good interaction with MA, many perks, development opportunities horizontal/vertical, high training budget, etc) are important factors. Furthermore, we have very good contacts to relevant technical universities (Munich, Innsbruck, Graz) incl. lecture activities. We want to make Getzner Werkstoffe known as a potential employer and address students as future employees. In this context, we also focus on being present at regional job fairs (FH Dornbirn) or open days (HTL) or apprentice fairs.
We are very committed to retaining qualified employees, which is why we have a very low fluctuation rate, i.e. know-how remains in the company. Both horizontal and vertical career opportunities are offered. Uncomplicated, individual, temporary solutions such as home office, reduced working hours, etc. when required (care situations, building a house, studying, etc.) are further elements for attractive working conditions.
And last but not least, knowledge management: A structured collection and transfer of expertise is important, as is the establishment of a Getzner Academy for internal as well as external training.
Where do you see a need for the education system to catch up in order to better meet the demand for skilled workers?
The basic qualifications of school leavers are becoming weaker (reading/writing, mathematics, science subjects), which sometimes prevents them from being employed or makes their further education more difficult. Practical training, by linking the school system with industry would be purposeful.
31st international Europe Forum Lucerne
Topic: Tension between labor market & immigration. Strategies for business and politics
November 14, 2016 | KKL Lucerne
Business symposium 13.00 to 17.30
CHF 550.00 - incl. snack and networking aperitif
public event 18.45 to 20.30
Admission free, registration required
Information and registration: www.europaforum.ch
