Upper Austria to launch new care training for 15-year-olds

Upper Austria is launching a new three-year care training program called ‘#CareKickstart’ starting in October 2026. Designed for compulsory school graduates aged 15, the program aims to address high demand for apprenticeships in the care sector.

The training takes place four days a week and covers specialized areas including social care for the elderly, nursing assistance, everyday assistance, and specialized dementia care. The program is currently offered at the Altenbetreuungsschule in Linz. The state of Upper Austria will cover all training costs, and participants may also apply for a care scholarship or work part-time in stationary facilities to earn extra income.