Increase in Education and Training in the Nursing Sector

In 2019, the number was still 9,336, so there has been almost a doubling since then. According to the responsible Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP), "the introduction of the nursing scholarship and the nursing apprenticeship have significantly contributed to this increase".

Increase in Nursing Scholarship

The nursing scholarship was introduced at the beginning of 2023. It is implemented by the Employment Service (AMS) and guarantees an "annually valorised subsistence" currently just over 50 euros per day. The scholarship applies to various professions in the nursing and social sector. According to the Ministry, 11,391 people used the offer in 2024. In 2023, the number was still 7,055, an increase of just over 61 percent. 7,234 people received other support such as course cost subsidies.

The nursing apprenticeship has been available since the autumn of 2023. In three or four years, one can train to become a nursing assistant (PA) or nursing specialist assistant (PFA). According to the Ministry, there are currently 152 nursing apprentices. Interested parties can start the training with the 10th grade and are gradually introduced to the tasks.

Increase in Red-White-Red Card

There was also an increase in international professionals through the Red-White-Red Card. In 2024, 1,354 people came to Austria from third countries. This is more than twice as many as in 2023 (643 people). Labour Minister Kocher was pleased with the figures. "The deliberate focus is having an effect." The high personnel demand in the nursing sector is one of the biggest challenges in the coming years.

(APA/Red)

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