32 million euros for 4,000 new educational places in kindergartens!
32 million euros for 4,000 new educational places in kindergartens!
Vienna, Österreich - The Federal Government decided on June 4, 2025 a comprehensive package of measures in the field of elementary pedagogy, which is equipped with an investment by 32 million euros. The aim of this initiative is to create a total of 4,000 new training positions for elementary educators in the next four years. Education Minister Christoph Return (NEOS) described this project as a "large training initiative" to combat the shortage of skilled workers.
In order to achieve the desired number of new training positions, various measures are planned. This includes the introduction of a new range of courses at selected universities, which is intended to appeal to Maturants in particular who are aiming for training in elementary education, but do not go through the educational institutions for elementary pedagogy (BAFEP). In addition, a pilot project of the University of Graz is launched, which provides additional training positions for assistant forces who want to be qualified as educators in the future.
Extensive measures to improve training
A central concern of the initiative is the expansion and modernization of the educational institutions for elementary pedagogy (BAFEP) and the practice kindergartens to the federal bafeps. New pedagogical approaches are to be integrated into the training. Furthermore, the offer is expanded by “distance learning” in order to promote training positions close to home in all districts. The Minister of Education aim for a qualitative improvement in training in order to meet the increasing demands on early childhood education.
The personnel and specialist force situation in the area of elementary pedagogy is considered tense. By 2030, it is estimated that around 13,700 additional specialists are needed to meet current needs. For qualitative improvements, such as smaller groups in the facilities, even 20,200 specialists are required. Minister of Education Return and Minister of Social Affairs Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) emphasize that the training offensive should also help strengthen the compatibility of family and work, especially for women.
support for prospective educators
As part of the new training initiative, a financial support for part -time training courses will also be offered from the study year 2026/27 to support participants: inside who want to reduce their workload. Unemployed people who opt for training in elementary pedagogy can also be supported by the AMS specialist scholarship. These measures help to facilitate the transition into the occupational branch of elementary pedagogy and to increase the social appreciation of this important job profile.The industrial association (IV) welcomed the training offensive, which was launched by Education Minister again . The investment in the elementary education sector is considered an important step to strengthen early childhood education and to improve the framework for the profession of elementary teacher and the elementary educator.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Vienna, Österreich |
| Quellen | |