GOAB confab to showcase job opportunities in Austria

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Austrian Business Agency (ABA), through its “Work in Austria” program, will showcase more job opportunities for Pinoys during the upcoming Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) Conference on November 13-15, 2024 at the JPark Island Resort & Waterpark in Mactan Island, Cebu.

During the conference ABA will provide detailed information about the career landscape in Austria and present the comprehensive range of free services available to skilled workers on their path to employment in Austria.

“Austria offers international skilled workers new perspectives and exciting career opportunities in the heart of Europe. Thanks to its stable economy, high standard of living, and attractive working conditions, Austria is one of the most sought-after labor markets in Europe,” said Raphael Rey Bacolod, Director of Indonesia and Philippines, WORK in AUSTRIA.

GOAB is the Philippines’ premier international tech startup conference. It gathers hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and notable figures from the country’s startup ecosystem. This year’s GOAB is organized by geeksPH in collaboration with the Philippines Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

Austria and the Philippines share a long history of collaboration, with more than 30,000 Filipinos already calling Austria home. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2023 between the Philippines and Austria further solidified this close relationship.

The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in recruiting and supporting vital and skilled workers from the Philippines. The Philippines is the first country to enter such an agreement with Austria.

“Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, Austria offers numerous incentives for skilled workers. With a robust economy, Austria provides a healthy work-life balance, comprehensive social security, and high-quality healthcare, all within a relatively affordable cost of living,” said Bacolod.

“For Filipino professionals, especially in IT, engineering, healthcare, and nursing sectors, Austria presents a wealth of job opportunities. As Austrian companies strive to combat the country’s growing shortage of skilled workers, they are increasingly looking to the global market to fill key positions,” he added.

In May 2024, Austria and the Philippines celebrated the Philippine-Austria Friendship Week with events organized by the Philippine Embassy in Austria, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW), the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), and the ABA.

These events aimed to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries, focusing on skilled labor. Work in Austria is part of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), offers free services designed to help skilled workers transition smoothly into their new roles in Austria.

The Philippines recently opened a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Vienna to provide on-the-ground support for Filipinos already working in Austria or planning to relocate.

Work in Austria’s support services include free counseling on living and working in Austria, job search assistance through platforms like the new ‘Talent Hub,’ help with immigration procedures for individuals and their families, and information programs to prepare for the move to Austria.

These efforts are designed to make the transition to living and working in Austria as sea mless as possible for international professionals. ABA is a subsidiary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW). It promotes Austria as an attractive destination for international companies, skilled workers, and film producers. Through its three business divisions— Invest in Austria, Work in Austria and Film in Austria- the ABA provides free advisory services on establishing businesses, accessing the labor market, and producing films in Austria.