At two “welcome breakfasts” in the Gmunden and Bad Ischl Chamber of Commerce locations, Ukrainian refugees found out about their opportunities in the Salzkammergut. Speakers such as district governor Alois Lanz, Bad Ischl’s mayor Ines Schiller or AMS district office manager Leopold Tremmel informed them about training and job opportunities and social security. Topics such as driving licenses and German courses also met with great interest.
The response in Bad Ischl with 100 and in Gmunden with over 200 displaced persons from the Ukraine was high. Since the unemployment rate in the district of Gmunden is at a historic low of 2.8%, the event focused on the topic of a possible start of work. Within the framework of basic care, foreigners in need of help and protection primarily receive benefits that only cover their basic daily needs. The interest in jobs and additional income opportunities was therefore clearly noticeable among the participants.
The two events were pilot projects for the Chamber of Commerce – but the organizers are more than satisfied with the success. “This event format not only helps the displaced people from the Ukraine, but also many companies that are desperately looking for employees,” says Martin Ettinger, chairman of the Gmunden Chamber of Commerce. After the numerous lectures, there was the opportunity for personal, individual advice at the information stands, where representatives of the ÖIF (Austrian Integration Fund) and the association migrare (centre for migrants in Upper Austria), which supports nostrifications, were also present.
The Chamber of Commerce now wants to organize “welcome breakfasts” in the other districts of Upper Austria.
Source: Nachrichten
