The State of Vorarlberg on the Internet

Situation on the job market

With approximately 145,000 employees and an average rate of unemployment of 5.7 %, Vorarlberg stands clearly below the Austrian average and occupies a top position in Europe.

The educational centres in both Vorarlberg and the surrounding Lake Constance area ensure a high level of qualification of the labour force.

Up to a few years ago, Vorarlberg suffered a strong exodus of labour to the industrial firms in the bordering countries. Due to the problems of the Swiss economy, more than 5,000 cross-border commuters had to be reintegrated into the Vorarlberg job market. This trend of reintegration of highly qualified labour should continue in the next years, meaning a high availability of experienced manpower.

Although Vorarlberg has no university, its labour force has a very high standard of education. Beside the primary, secondary and higher educational schools, the polytechnic institute offers subjects such as production automation, internal process management and Intermedia. There is a wide range of education and extended vocational training available, as well as a trainee program as an important part of vocational education.