Addressing Austria's Skilled Labor Shortage in Tunnel and Railway Projects
Austria has one of the most developed and high-end market economies with a great standard of living. It is also the 3rd largest partner for the USA and is the most connected with the EU economies, especially with Germany. The country has progressed significantly in the year 2026 with developments in recruitment and new train services, and further developed infrastructure. However, the staff shortages are starting to impact the more developed and advanced tunnel and railway projects.
Railway Projects in Austria Beginning to Face a Brick Wall
Railway construction projects are experiencing a whirlwind of changes in the labor market as they grapple with new technology and labor shortages. One of the major concerns on their radar is the widening skills gap. The disparity between the skills employers need and the skills available in the workforce continues to widen.
2026 was a challenging yet progressive year in Austria’s tunnel and railway projects. The country encountered several problems, but despite the challenges, Austria has ‘Koralmbahn,’ a new 130 km double-track, electrified railway line that is the first of many developments to come.
Rising Labor Shortage in Austria’s Construction Industry
Austria is currently facing a severe labor shortage, especially in the construction sector, with many leaving their jobs. New tunnel and railway projects have increased, yet over a million workers have left the sector. Austrian company ÖBB is planning to expand its team with new hires. The recruitment is primarily driven by the fact that around one-fifth of ÖBB’s employees will retire by 2027. Skilled workers with decades of experience are taking the opportunity to retire, and there are limited qualified workers lined up to replace them. Additionally, there is a lack of interest in the craft trades among millennials and Generation Z, resulting in a declining influx of new talent. The challenge of filling vacant positions in the construction industry is therefore expected to increase in the next two years.
Railway infrastructure underpins modern transportation, enabling efficient movement of people and goods, driving economic growth, and linking cities and regions. As demand for faster, safer, and greener rail transport rises, the industry faces key challenges. One major issue is the shortage of engineers, surveyors, and technical specialists needed for modern rail projects. This talent gap can delay projects and harm quality.
To combat the skill shortage, strict actions must be taken. To begin with, Austrian companies can leverage a partnership with a reputable recruitment agency.
Staffing agencies are able to find employees with the necessary skills due to their industry connections and experience. They focus their efforts on various talent pipelines, including those that are often overlooked, such as the aging workforce, people with disabilities, and recent graduates. A business also has the option to hire temporary employees to fill labor shortages as well as to address specialized roles on an episodic basis.
A staffing firm with an established reputation in your business sector is your best option. Look for firms that other businesses recommend and focus on those with a good retention ratio.
Oman Agencies is committed to supporting railway infrastructure projects by providing access to top engineering and technical talent across all stages, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
Hiring Made Easy with Austria’s Top Staffing Agency
Oman Agencies offer customized workforce solutions and help businesses effectively source and select international skilled workers. Those of us here at Oman Agencies see the potential in luring international skilled workers to Austria. The reform of the Red-White-Red Card simplified and accelerated the process of attracting skilled workers from third countries. As the first point of contact on all issues relating to tunnel projects hiring Austria, Oman Agencies strives to connect international skilled workers with Austrian employers. Our hiring experts support companies in Austria in targeting, contacting, and hiring railway staffing Vienna, from across the globe. Moreover, international skilled workers and their families benefit from our advisory services regarding visa permits, legal concerns, and our extensive expertise on topics related to living and working in Austria.
Modernize your Recruitment Strategy
The concept of hiring a staffing agency certainly isn’t new. The question is no longer if recruitment outsourcing is viable, but how to approach it successfully. For those companies interested in recruitment outsourcing, partnering with an expert could be a game-changer.
Recruitment outsourcing gives businesses an advantage in the current economy. The recent surge in quiet quitting and mass layoffs has led to a collective demand for a stronger staffing strategy — and, luckily for businesses, recruitment outsourcing continues to grow.
With Oman Agencies, businesses can successfully navigate Austria’s labor shortage, ensure a safer, more efficient, and sustainable workforce that meets today’s demands and future needs. Contact us to learn how we can assist you with overcoming recruitment challenges and achieving outstanding results.
