Education

Finding an apprenticeship place in Austria: apprenticeship exchange, applying, career guidance and support

Vacant apprenticeship places are listed in the joint apprenticeship exchange (Lehrstellenbörse) of the AMS and the Chamber of Commerce in the AMS eJob-Room and in the AMS job search 'alle jobs'; the WKO recommends starting the search about a year before the desired start, and you apply directly to the training company with a cover letter, CV and certificates. The AMS career information centres (BIZ) and the Chamber of Commerce's education and career guidance help with choosing a trade, and apprenticeship seekers and apprentices can use, among other things, AMS interview and distance allowances, free apprentice travel and free apprentice coaching.

Last updated: 8 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

An apprenticeship (Lehre) in Austria combines practical training in a company with lessons at a vocational school (Berufsschule). Apprentices spend about 80% of their training in the company and 20% at school, and receive an apprentice income (Lehrlingseinkommen). 3 Finding a place starts with choosing a trade and looking for a training company.

Who needs this

An apprenticeship can generally begin after completion of the ninth school year. Applications can be written and sent before compulsory schooling ends; in Austria it ends after nine school years. 3 6
There are 229 recognised apprenticeship trades (Lehrberufe), for example in crafts, technology, trade, tourism and IT. The AMS Berufslexikon describes activities, requirements, training and earnings. 1 3

Step by step

Think about which activities suit you and what experience you already have. The free AMS Berufskompass suggests occupations based on your interests and strengths. You can take the result to an AMS career information centre (BerufsInfoZentrum, BIZ); advice is available in person, by telephone or online. 1 2
The WKO and WIFI education and career guidance also helps you choose a training path and informs you about companies that train apprentices. 7
Search using more than one route. In the joint AMS and WKO apprenticeship exchange (Lehrstellenbörse) in the AMS eJob-Room, search using “Lehrstelle” and a location, then narrow the results, for example by occupation. Once you find a suitable place, you can upload your application documents on the platform. 4 7
Also use AMS “alle jobs”: enter a location or postcode and select “Lehrstelle” under the “Dienstverhältnis” filter. You can also search for an occupation or a company. Check company websites too, or contact the company you want directly. 4 7
Once you have found a company, tailor your application to that place. Explain why you want that trade and that company, and which interests, qualifications and experience you bring. Send the application directly to the training company (Lehrbetrieb); if you found the offer online or the advert asks for an electronic application, AMS recommends sending it by email. 1 6
Practical work-experience days (Berufspraktische Tage) help you get to know occupations and companies. Not every company is authorised to train apprentices; if in doubt, check its website or ask. 6 7

Documents

An application consists of an application letter (Bewerbungsschreiben) and a CV (Lebenslauf). oesterreich.gv.at also lists your collected certificates (Zeugnisse). The letter should be clearly arranged and free of mistakes; if you are unsure, have someone read it before you send it. 1 6
A photo in the CV is optional. Work-experience reports (Schnupperberichte) and recommendation letters can be added. AMS provides free templates for application letters and CVs. 1

Cost and time

Searching with AMS “alle jobs” is free and needs no registration. Most apprenticeships last three years, some two or four. The apprentice income depends on the industry and is set in the collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag). 3 4
Under certain conditions, support may include an AMS interview allowance (Vorstellungsbeihilfe: a contribution towards travel, accommodation and meals) for interviews at more distant places, or a distance allowance (Entfernungsbeihilfe) when no nearer suitable vacancy is available. Apprentices can also use free apprentice travel (Lehrlingsfreifahrt) and free coaching; the federal states offer different support as well. 5

Deadlines

AMS recommends starting the search nine to twelve months before your intended start; WKO advises about a year. For a September start, WKO recommends beginning in the previous autumn. You can register with AMS as seeking an apprenticeship from the beginning of the ninth school year. 4 7