Better for the economy

Tyrolean ÖGB head Wohlgemuth calls for more German courses

Tyrol's ÖGB boss Wohlgemuth wants unbureaucratic German courses for foreign employees - preferably in companies.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Sufficient language skills are essential for successful integration! Tyrol's ÖGB Chairman Philip Wohlgemuth (SPÖ) is also convinced of this. In order to achieve this, he is calling for the implementation of language courses, which should be offered more frequently and in parallel with other specialist qualification measures in future.

"This would make it much easier for employees who currently have little to no knowledge of German to pursue gainful employment and to integrate in general. The economy would also benefit," the ÖGB Chairman is convinced. The acquisition of the German language is a central key to full participation in social and professional life in Austria. "This participation is not only in the interests of the employees themselves, but also of the companies that benefit from a diverse and well-integrated workforce," continues LA Philip Wohlgemuth.

ÖGB head Philip Wohlgemuth(Bild: Franz Preschern)

Low-threshold access required
Particularly in light of the current shortage of skilled workers, it makes sense for the ÖGB Chairman to make full use of the existing potential on the labor market. But he goes one step further: "In addition to the German courses, special training and further education courses should also be offered - for example in the technical field, but of course also in care. It is important to train people in a targeted manner and according to their qualifications and strengths. In any case, access to the courses must be low-threshold and unbureaucratic; perhaps they could be offered directly in the companies or across companies in industrial estates!"

In many industries, clear communication processes and an understanding of safety regulations are essential.

Philip Wohlgemuth

Misunderstandings possible without knowledge of German
For Wohlgemuth, language acquisition is also about another aspect: "In many industries, clear communication processes and an understanding of safety regulations are essential. If employees do not speak sufficient German, misunderstandings can occur, which can lead to accidents or other dangerous situations." However, the interpersonal aspect is also extremely important for the trade unionist: "People should be able to communicate at the coffee machine or in the break room, which is very important for participation in society but also for general integration."