Austria and the United States entered an agreement to expand registered apprenticeships among Austrian companies and Austrian-invested companies in the U.S. to promote job creation in both countries.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and the Austrian Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs Dr. Margarete Schramböck signed the memorandum of understanding April 13, according to a Department of Labor news release.
“The partnership will help promote the establishment, growth and diversification of Registered Apprenticeship programs,” Walsh said, according to the release. “Through these programs, we can increase foreign investment in the U.S. and expand opportunities for America’s workers.”
Austria invested $17.18 billion in the U.S. in 2020. That sustained 33,500 jobs, primarily in the areas of industrial equipment, software and IT services, the release reported.
Schramböck said the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations was reinforced by the signing of the memorandum of understanding. It recognizes the added value of Austrian-style apprenticeships in the U.S., she said in the release.
“Apprenticeships benefit our economies and societies, ensure a talent pool of skilled workers and can positively influence a company’s innovation capabilities and productivity,” she said, the release reported. “I am very pleased that Austria’s apprenticeship model continues to serve as inspiration for other companies in the U.S.”
