Erasmus+: More than 2000 internships for apprentices by 2027!

Erasmus+: More than 2000 internships for apprentices by 2027!

As part of the Erasmus+program in 2024, a total of 1,254 apprentices completed internships abroad, such as crown reported. The Austrian focus on international internships is to be further strengthened because the Federal Ministry of Education is planning to increase the number of funded internships abroad to around 2,000 per year by 2027. This project aims to make teaching more attractive for young people.

The implementation of the Erasmus+program in Austria is responsible for the Austrian Agency of Education and Internationalization (OEAD). A 2021 agreed "5-point plan to increase apprenticeship mobility" was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce (WKO) to advance this initiative.

Hurdles for internships abroad

However, there are some challenges compared to this project. This includes language barriers, the lack of workforce in small companies during the absence of the apprentices and the necessary coordination between vocational schools, companies, apprentices and parents. Ursula Hilmar, press spokeswoman for OEAD, emphasizes the opportunities that result from these programs in order to make teaching more attractive as a whole.

There are currently around 106,000 apprentices in Austria. The feedback from the economy shows a pattern: First of all, the focus is on acquisition of competence and the professional know-how. After the first experience abroad, however, the value of "soft skills" is increasingly valued.

Extended perspectives by Erasmus+

The Erasmus+program not only supports apprentices, but also university students and recently graduated from internships abroad. The advantages are significant: participants improve their knowledge, develop entrepreneurial and creative skills and increase their intercultural skills. In addition, every ten tenth Erasmus+intern has founded their own company, which promotes the entrepreneurial way of thinking.

The programs offer flexible stays of stay between two and twelve months, although mixed mobility is also possible. Interns are not only limited to Europe, but can also work worldwide as long as the internships are relevant for their studies. Information on rights, obligations and frequently asked questions is available online, which makes it easier to organize such stays abroad, such as Erasmus+ informed.

In addition to the internships mentioned above, the program also supports employees for job shadowings as well as training and courses. Mobility projects that promote international exchange are a central part of vocational training in Europe and contribute to improving the opportunities on the labor market. Initial experiences in international cooperation can be particularly valuable for learners, some of whom are also experiencing disadvantages Work and life emphasized.

The program also includes special regulations for support, for example to cover higher travel expenses, which can arise from passengers or special travel material. In addition, stays abroad that serve employees of the educational organizations and political education are also promoted.