Pilot project started in autumn: NÖAAB and JVP draw an initial interim assessment
St. Pölten (OTS) – Sophia Edhofer began her nursing apprenticeship around four months ago, making her one of the first apprentices for a nursing profession. During a visit to the Lower Austrian Employees’ Association (NÖAAB) and the Young People’s Party (JVP), Sophia reported on her enthusiasm.
Lower Austrians have an ever-increasing life expectancy. This is accompanied by an increase in the need for care and support and at the same time the need for nursing and support staff. In the past two years, numerous initiatives have been taken to inspire more people to take up a career in the nursing and care sector. From training offers, starting at school up to the second educational path, through the nursing training bonus to improvements in the pay and working conditions of the nursing staff. Since autumn 2023 it has now been possible to complete the nursing apprenticeship. “The nursing apprenticeship created an additional, attractive training opportunity that follows directly after the end of compulsory schooling. Our nursing staff do fantastic work every day. With the nursing apprenticeship, on the one hand, we are relieving the burden on current employees and at the same time creating the basis for ensuring the high quality of nursing care for all Lower Austrians in the long term,” says NÖAAB state chairwoman Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister.
“Young people have the opportunity to choose between two models. You can complete the nursing assistant and nursing assistant apprenticeships. This means you can decide for yourself whether your apprenticeship lasts three or four years. The dual form of training is a great opportunity to not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also to learn practical experience directly. In the area of nursing, the young apprentices work directly with people,” adds Sebastian Stark, state chairman of the JVP. “The state of Lower Austria is further strengthening teaching. There is also full protection for the apprentices, as the training takes place directly in the care facilities,” adds JVP Lower Austria regional manager Anthony Grünsteidl.
“Finding skilled employees is currently one of the biggest challenges, especially in the healthcare sector. These new apprenticeships are an important step towards strengthening the nursing sector and training qualified nurses,” reports Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister
“It is therefore our concern to further strengthen nursing teaching,” said Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, Sebastian Stark and Anthony Grünsteidl in unison. Further information for those interested is available at www.pflege-lehre.at
Questions & Contact:
NÖAAB
Matthias Zagler
+43 664 839 74 42
matthias.zagler@noeaab.at
