Apprenticeships in Austria: How the Dual Vocational Training System Works in 2026

One of the most common routes into a skilled profession in Austria is Lehre. Apprentices work at a company while attending vocational school, receive pay and insurance, and qualify for a profession after passing the final examination.

What is the dual system, and who can start?

The dual system (duales System) combines two learning locations: the training company (Lehrbetrieb) and vocational school (Berufsschule). In some sectors there is a third location, such as construction academies in the construction industry. Vocational school lessons count as working time, and the regular apprentice pay is paid during this period.

• About 80% of the training takes place at the training company.
• About 20% takes place at the vocational school.
• Depending on the occupation, Lehre lasts 2–4 years.
• The apprenticeship contract (Lehrvertrag) covers this period.

Anyone who has successfully completed the nine-year period of compulsory education can start a Lehre. This ends on the last day of the ninth school year, on the day before the summer holidays begin.

Vocational education can be organised in several ways: throughout the year, with at least one full day or two half-days per week; in course blocks, usually lasting ten weeks at a time; or seasonally.

Finding a training company and signing the contract

You can look for a training position through online job boards, newspaper advertisements, personal contacts, or the career guidance centres of the AMS, the chamber of commerce and the chamber of labour. Applications can be submitted before compulsory education has ended. Not every company is authorised to provide apprenticeship training.

The apprentice and the training company sign the apprenticeship contract in writing. Anyone under 18 also needs a parent’s or guardian’s signature. The apprentice does not have to pay for the contract.

Documents generally include the certificate from the final year of school and proof of previous training. Non-EEA citizens also need a work permit. The company registers the apprentice with the chamber of commerce’s apprenticeship office (Lehrlingsstelle der WKO), the vocational school and social insurance.

The first three months are a probationary period. During this time, either party may terminate the contract in writing without giving a reason.

How much do apprentices earn?

Apprentice pay (Lehrlingseinkommen) is paid monthly. The amount depends on the occupation and is generally set by the collective agreement. It increases with every year of the apprenticeship. Apprentices also receive holiday pay and Christmas pay.

Apprentices are covered by accident, health and unemployment insurance, and the apprenticeship period counts towards their pension. Because apprentice pay is lower than the pay of qualified workers, it is usually subject to no income tax or only a small amount. Boys and girls in the same apprenticeship year may not receive different pay.

Federal and provincial support may also be available, including:

• Free apprentice travel passes (Lehrlingsfreifahrt)
• Travel-cost support (Fahrtenbeihilfe) for a commute of at least two kilometres
• Family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) for adults under 24

Working hours, rest periods and holidays

Strict rules apply to apprentices under 18:

• Daily working time: no more than 8 hours
• Weekly working time: no more than 40 hours, including vocational school
• Night work: prohibited between 20:00 and 06:00
• Break: at least 30 minutes after 4.5 hours
• Night-time rest: 12 consecutive hours
• Overtime: prohibited under 16; only possible in exceptional cases between 16 and 18

There are exceptions. In hospitality, apprentices over 16 may work until 23:00. In bakeries, apprentices over 15 may work from 04:00. If overtime does occur, the apprentice is entitled to a 50% supplement or time off in lieu.

Annual leave is 25 working days, or 30 days where the working week runs from Monday to Saturday. Apprentices under 18 are entitled to at least two weeks of leave between 15 June and 15 September.

The final examination: Lehrabschlussprüfung

The final examination (Lehrabschlussprüfung, LAP) has practical and theoretical parts. The theoretical part is waived if the vocational school has already been successfully completed. The practical part generally consists of an examination task and a professional discussion. In commercial occupations, it consists of an oral and written business case.

• Earliest application: 6 months before the end of the apprenticeship
• Where to apply: the apprenticeship office of the provincial chamber of commerce
• Examination fee: 137 euros (2025 data); the company pays for the first attempt
• Retakes: any number of times; the second and third attempts are free
• Notice of the examination date: no later than 3 weeks before the examination

While the apprenticeship relationship is still in force, the company provides the required materials and tools.

What happens after Lehre?

After the apprentice passes the examination or the apprenticeship period ends, the company must generally continue employing the qualified apprentice for three months (Behaltefrist). If the apprentice spent no more than half of the apprenticeship period at that company, the period is 1.5 months.

Another option is Lehre mit Matura. The vocational baccalaureate (Berufsreifeprüfung) consists of four partial examinations and grants access to every university degree programme. Preparation and examinations are free for apprentices, and the complete baccalaureate can be completed from the age of 19 at the earliest. The master craftsperson examination (Meisterprüfung) is available from the age of 18.

Frequently asked questions

Can adults take the final examination?

Yes. People over 18 can apply to the chamber of commerce with an exceptional permit if they have suitable work experience or have completed relevant courses. In this case, the candidate pays the examination fee.

What if I cannot find a training company?

Young people who cannot find a training position can complete an inter-company apprenticeship (überbetriebliche Lehrausbildung) in a training workshop. They receive training support instead of wages.

Can previous education be credited?

Yes, for related occupations by agreement with the company. After completing secondary school or at least three years of Lehre, another three-year occupation may be shortened by one year.

How can the contract be terminated?

After the probationary period, termination is possible in writing with a reason, by mutual agreement with confirmation from the chamber of labour, or through extraordinary termination at the end of the first or second year. The termination must be reported to the apprenticeship office within three weeks.

Practical steps to start a Lehre

1. Complete the nine-year period of compulsory education.
2. Choose an occupation and check whether the company is authorised to provide apprenticeship training.
3. Search through job boards, newspaper advertisements, personal contacts, the AMS, the chamber of commerce and the chamber of labour.
4. Prepare your final school certificate and proof of previous training; arrange a work permit if you are a non-EEA citizen.
5. Read the written Lehrvertrag carefully and arrange a parent’s or guardian’s signature if you are under 18.
6. Ask about apprentice pay, collective-agreement terms, travel support and the vocational school schedule.
7. Apply for the Lehrabschlussprüfung no earlier than 6 months before the apprenticeship ends and confirm the examination arrangements with the provincial chamber of commerce.

Note: This article is based on information available online and does not constitute professional advice. Use the information at your own risk. For specific guidance, contact a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant expert.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at