Starting work in the care sector

The first career platform of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) in Vorarlberg focusing on healthcare and nursing professions took place at the FHV. More than 70 refugees and displaced persons from Ukraine from ÖIF German courses came to find out about vacancies and training and employment opportunities in the healthcare sector in Vorarlberg. Nine partners from the region took part: CONNEXIA - Gesellschaft für Gesundheit und Pflege, Caritas, the mobile aid services (MOHI), the Department IVd-Sanitätsangelegenheiten der Vorarlberger Landesregierung, Hauskrankenpflege Vorarlberg, Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), Pflegeschule Vorarlberg and BIFO Vorarlberg. Participants were able to talk to recruiters on site, apply for open positions or arrange an interview. The ÖIF provided information on part-time German language courses and supported the participants on site with CV checks to improve their CVs. According to the nursing staff requirement forecast by Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG), there will be a shortage of around 200,000 nursing and care staff in Austria by 2050. In view of the high demand for skilled workers in Austria, the focus of the event was on the possibility of a quick entry into the nursing and healthcare professions. In the near future, further careers platforms focusing on nursing are planned throughout Austria.  

Support with start

Diana Brodda, programme director for Health Care and Nursing at the FHV summed up: "I am delighted that we, as the FHV, were able to host this important ÖIF event and show interested parties a wide variety of paths into nursing. Internationalization is a central topic for a degree programme in Health Care and Nursing, but sufficient knowledge of German remains essential. We are happy to provide support for an uncomplicated start to training." Reingard Feßler, Head of the connexia Welcome Center, added: "The healthcare sector offers a wide range of training opportunities due to its broad spectrum of activities, including for people who have fled or immigrated to Germany. At the connexia Welcome Center, we look at people's overall situation and support people who still have few qualifications and little knowledge of German in the orientation process. In doing so, we not only provide information about the various training opportunities and funding, but also take into account the individual needs, opportunities and interests of those seeking advice."  

High demand for skilled workers

In view of the high demand for skilled workers in the health and care sector, the ÖIF Integration Service for Skilled Workers provides a wide range of support services for immigrants with qualifications acquired abroad. This year, for example, the ÖIF expanded its funding opportunities for the recognition of foreign qualifications in the health and care sector in order to accelerate the deployment of foreign specialists in Austria. Tuition fees during nostrification, for example for doctors or nurses, are reimbursed. The professional recognition grant has been increased to up to 2,500 euros per person, which means that costs for document translations and recognition certificates are also eligible for reimbursement. The ÖIF also offers a free online German course for the care sector with practical exercises. Part-time German courses are also funded, including industry-specific courses such as for the catering and care sectors.

All information about studies in the field of Social Work and Health: Department of Social Work and Health | Bachelor & Master studies | FHV