Austria braces for 120,000-worker shortage by 2050 as AI reshapes job market

Austria's labor market is becoming increasingly challenging, especially for young professionals, as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and entry-level positions.

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The job market in Germany would have been easier.

Junior roles are being replaced by AI, making the job market tougher. Suzan Emadzadeh, who moved from Germany to Vienna, sent over 200 applications before securing a position at Österreichische Post. "The job market in Germany would have been easier," she reflected, noting that after six months of searching, she considered taking any job to gain experience. "Giving up was not an option."

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Giving up was not an option.

Her colleague, Laurenz Gutleder, also found stability at the postal service's IT department. He worried if his knowledge was sufficient, but now understands that "the right know-how is acquired through daily work." Many young people share this uncertainty about their future job prospects.

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The right know-how is acquired through daily work.

However, Johannes Kopf, CEO of AMS (the Austrian Public Employment Service), reassures that Austria will primarily need skilled workers with completed apprenticeships, especially in technical fields, crafts, and nursing. He predicts a future shortage of around 120,000 workers by 2050. "Work doesn't disappear; it changes," Kopf stated, drawing parallels to past technological shifts like the steam engine and the internet. He advises companies to focus on an employee's ability to learn quickly, rather than just their current skills, as predicting future needs is impossible.

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Austria needs skilled workers with completed apprenticeships – especially in technical professions, crafts, and nursing.