IV welcomes further strengthening of the technical college sector with a view to MINT and the need for skilled workers

2024-03-27 15:39:49

The focus of the additional study places on mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology is very pleasing – an additional 700 university places from the 2025/26 academic year

Vienna (OTS) – “By allocating an additional 700 federally financed bachelor’s and master’s study places in 2025/2026 with a MINT focus and with a view to our skilled worker needs, Federal Minister Polaschek is taking an important educational policy step,” says Christoph Neumayer, General Secretary of the Industrial Association ( IV), pleased with today’s announcement. The success model of the technical college would thus be further strengthened: “The fact that the technical colleges focus on the nationwide list of shortage occupations as well as on the focus on MINT – mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology – when applying for new study places is urgently necessary from a macroeconomic perspective and is an important answer the high demand of the industry,” continued Neumayer.

The shortage of skilled workers in companies, especially among highly qualified MINT professionals, especially in the IT sector, where, according to estimates, there is a shortage of around 30,000 skilled workers, represents one of the biggest challenges for the business location today and in the future. It is pleasing that the focus of universities of applied sciences here is on existing or emerging professional fields. Secretary General Neumayer continued: “We also support this clear commitment to the university of applied sciences sector as a sign of appreciation on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of this successful university sector.” In this context, the industrial association welcomes general efforts towards deeper university cooperation, including joint study programs between technical colleges and universities in order to further promote the efficiency and knowledge transfer of the Austrian higher education area.