Adult Education Initiative
The Adult Education Initiative is a joint federal government/state initiative set up in 2012 to promote the acquisition of basic educational qualifications by adults. The legal basis is the agreement pursuant to Art. 15a of the Federal Constitutional Law (B-VG) between the federal government and the federal states on the promotion of educational measures in the field of basic education, as well as educational measures enabling people who have not gained school-leaving qualifications to do so. Its aim is to enable young people and adults living in Austria to acquire basic skills and educational qualifications free of charge after completing their schooling, in order to give people without sufficient minimum qualifications better access to the labour market and to promote their social integration.
The Adult Education Initiative comprises two programme areas:
Basic education covers German language skills, basic skills in another language, mathematical skills, digital skills and learning skills. Particular attention is paid to the ability to connect with further education and the labour market.
The school-leaving qualification (Pflichtschulabschluss) is normally obtained at the end of compulsory schooling in Austria and is the link to qualifications in higher and further education. In addition to the teaching of skills in the 6 examination areas, the educational programme also includes curricular consolidation, coaching and advice on the transition to further education and training or a job.
www.initiative-erwachsenenbildung.at/ (Brief description in English available on the website)
ALFATELEFON Österreich offers free information and advice on basic education courses in Austria. Tel.: 0800 244 800.