New educational academy in Bregenz: securing the future of elementary education

New educational academy in Bregenz: securing the future of elementary education

In a decisive step to combat the shortage of skilled workers in elementary education, the city of Bregenz has launched its Bregenz Education Academy (BAB). This newly created training offer, which started in autumn 2023, includes both basic and advanced training courses. The aim is to further qualify existing staff and promote interest in careers in urban childcare.

At a city council meeting on October 8th, Mayor Michael Ritsch presented plans to invest around 40,000 euros in specialized training for 18 people in 2025. This measure is intended to ensure that the city of Bregenz will continue to have qualified child care professionals in the future.

Course of previous courses

Since autumn 2023, two basic courses in theory and practice have already been successfully carried out. In order to best support the educational specialists in the municipal care facilities, further qualification is necessary. This specialization will take place next spring in collaboration with the educator Mag. Manuela Lang, with 18 participants already confirmed. An attractive offer for future skilled workers: Anyone who enters into an employment contract with the city for at least three years does not bear any costs for the training.

Mayor Ritsch was optimistic about the initiative: "Our educational academy means quality assurance in a service area that is one of the most important and responsible of all. I am very pleased that Bregenz is ahead in Vorarlberg with its initiative and that the responsible authorities in the state are also giving us positive feedback." This step is a smart investment in the future of early childhood education.

Skilled workers for the future

The responsible city councilor Eveline Miessgang also emphasized the importance of qualified specialists and assistants in childcare. "In order to ensure the high quality of childcare, we need well-trained specialists. The city is willing to take on part of the training itself. In this way, we are not only creating a good foundation for the loving care of children of working parents, but are also taking concrete action against the noticeable shortage of staff."

Bregenz is setting an example with the educational academy and showing that the city cares about quality in child care. This initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. A detailed report on the BAB's progress and the impact on local early childhood care can be found here.