Focus on climate protection

Training center with Europe-wide appeal

bfi NÖ CEO Christian Farthofer, AMS NÖ CEO Sandra Kern and AKNÖ President Markus Wieser at the opening of Europe's first climate protection training center in Sigmundsherberg in the Waldviertel.

(Bild: Klaus Schindler)

A showcase project that is unparalleled in Europe has now been opened in Sigmundsherberg in the Waldviertel district of Horn. Skilled workers have been trained and qualified for the economy there for around 50 years. Now the new climate protection training center is to help implement the energy transition.

Nature and craftsmanship - what better place for Europe's first climate protection training center than in the Waldviertel? In true regional style, the idea for the lighthouse project, which was opened on April 12, was born out of practical experience: "50 years ago, history was made with the construction of the Vocational Training Center (BBZ) in Sigmundsherberg. The building was getting on in years, we had to renovate it and bring it up to date," said Christian Farthofer, head of bfi NÖ. bfi and AMS NÖ operate the facility.

"Writing history again"
"We are now making history again," said Farthofer, emphasizing that no craftsmen could be found for the construction of solar systems - so there was an urgent need to train people in these areas. This gave rise to the idea of breathing new life into what was then a flagship project. The AMS Lower Austria financed the 6.4 million euro project. AMS Regional Managing Director Sandra Kern emphasized the pioneering opening for the energy transition and that there is a massive need for green jobs.

"The demand for workers with climate-related training has risen by 38 percent across Austria in the last five years, and by as much as 68 percent in Lower Austria. This means that there are a variety of future-oriented opportunities for job seekers to make a career start," said Kern, pointing out that there is great potential for young career starters and women in particular. According to forecasts, 1500 full-time jobs will be created in the photovoltaic sector and 1100 in the wind power sector throughout Austria every year.

Don't let the center cool down
"The whole of Europe is very interested in this model that has been created here in Lower Austria," emphasized Markus Wieser, President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Labour. The enormous area of more than 5,000 square meters would not only be used for vocational training and further education, but would also offer companies the opportunity to qualify their employees and bring them up to date. "So the training center doesn't cool down in the afternoon!"

"Great day for Lower Austria"
Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized the great day for Lower Austria. The war in Ukraine and the associated inflation and energy price explosions had made it abundantly clear that the expansion of renewable energy had to be accelerated. A huge proportion of this energy already comes from the country between Enns and Leitha. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to the many organizations and institutions that had worked together on the project in a spirit of social partnership. She also thanked the Minister of Labor, Martin Kocher, in particular. "Finally a project where the state is not paying anything," joked Mikl-Leitner.

The new training center offers "qualified specialist training that we need to achieve the energy transition," said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. Employment Minister Martin Kocher had the same message "in his luggage".

(Bild: NLK Pfeffer)

Hands are urgently needed
Employment Minister Kocher emphasized the appeal of the new climate protection training center far beyond the borders of Lower Austria and Austria. However, the energy transition could only happen if there were enough skilled workers. "We can provide funding, adapt regulations and so on. If there is no one who can implement this, the energy transition will not happen," Kocher also emphasized the urgently needed green jobs.

Focus picks up speed
Specifically, 250 training opportunities have been offered to job seekers and cooperation partners from the business world since January. An information point focusing on climate protection and renewable energies is located in the building in addition to the training courses on offer and is considered the heart of the project. 67 people, including 24 women, are currently being trained in the Waldviertel district of Horn. It is important to mention the modular training - individual modules can be credited if you have the relevant prior knowledge.

Many training areas
Qualifications are offered in eleven apprenticeships, such as in the fields of electrical, refrigeration, metal, installation, building and heating technology. There will be further training for an additional 22 specialist areas, such as renewable energies or automation technology. All training participants complete the so-called energy driver's license as an introductory module, and the topics of climate and sustainability are represented in all training options. At the end of each course, participants receive a certificate. The apprenticeships on offer are generally completed in a shorter time, usually after 15 to 22 months.

The building
The new complex with a total area of 5,500 square meters was built on the previous site of the Vocational Training Centre (BBZ). As the former BBZ operator, bfi NÖ was commissioned with the implementation of the conversion and expansion and now organizes the ongoing training operations in the new center. The ground-breaking ceremony took place in September 2022 and the investment costs of 6.4 million euros were borne in full by AMS NÖ. Addition and new building cover 1300 square meters.