Article by Kevin Hütter

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Koralm Railway and the Labor Market in Austria: How Graz and Klagenfurt are changing

The Koralm Railway is one of Austria's largest infrastructure projects and is significantly changing the labor market. The new high-speed line shortens the travel time between Graz and Klagenfurt from around three hours to just 45 minutes. This opens up new opportunities for companies and skilled workers, which will have a lasting impact on southern Austria as a business location. But which industries will particularly benefit from the new Koralm railway labor market opportunities? And how can companies and employees take advantage of these changes?

INHALT

Koralm Railway, Labor market Graz, Labor market Klagenfurt

Graz: A growing center for technology & industry

Graz is already one of Austria's most important innovation and economic centers. The automotive industry, mechanical engineering, IT and science are particularly well represented here. The Koralm railway will further strengthen this business location and create new prospects for skilled workers and companies.

  • Automotive industry & mechanical engineering: Companies such as Magna Steyr, AVL and Andritz are global leaders in their fields and are constantly in need of highly qualified employees. The improved connection to Klagenfurt expands the talent pool and enables more efficient recruitment.
  • IT & software development: Graz is increasingly developing into Austria's “Silicon Alps”. Companies such as Infineon, NXP and numerous start-ups are active in the region and are constantly looking for skilled workers for the digital transformation.
  • Education & science: With universities such as Campus02, Graz University of Technology, the University of Graz and FH Joanneum, the city attracts students from all over Austria. The Koralm Railway makes it easier to access these educational institutions, which in turn benefits academic and economic exchange.

Recruiting Trends 2025: What companies need to know now 

The expanded talent pool also brings new challenges in recruiting. Companies need to adapt their strategies not only to find talent, but also to retain it in the long term. Find out which trends will play a role in our latest article: Recruiting Trends 2025: What companies need to know now.

Summary: Graz benefits from the Koralm railway through improved networking and an expanded talent pool. Companies can recruit in a more targeted manner and further expand their innovative strength.

Klagenfurt: Administration, tourism and a growing business location

As the capital of the Austrian state of Carinthia, Klagenfurt plays a key role in public administration, tourism and trade. Improved connections to Graz could sustainably strengthen these sectors and provide new economic impetus.

  • Public service & administration: Numerous authorities and state institutions are based here. With improved transport links, more specialists can be attracted from Graz for these areas.
  • Tourism and hospitality: Lake Wörthersee is one of Austria's most popular tourist destinations. Faster connections could increase visitor numbers and create more jobs in the hospitality and restaurant industry.
  • Retail and logistics: The Koralm Railway makes Klagenfurt more attractive for international freight transport and could attract new companies in the logistics industry.

Lateral entrants as an opportunity for companies

In view of the shortage of skilled workers, companies should consider alternative recruitment strategies. Career changers and reskilling programs offer great potential for closing gaps in the labor market. Find out how in our article: Employee reskilling: Lateral entrants as an opportunity in real estate and accounting. 

Summary: The Koralm Railway will make Klagenfurt more attractive for employees and investors. Tourism, administration and trade in particular could benefit greatly.

More mobility, more opportunities: How skilled workers and companies benefit

The Koralm Railway opens up new opportunities for employees and companies that will permanently change the labor market in Graz and Klagenfurt.

For employees:

  • New career opportunities: The shorter travel time opens up new career prospects without the need to move.
  • More flexibility & work-life balance: Companies are increasingly relying on hybrid working models that make it easier to reconcile work and private life.
  • Better networking with top employers: The expanded commuting zone facilitates access to attractive employers in both cities.

For companies:

  • Extended talent pool: The labor market is opened up across both cities, making it easier for companies to attract qualified specialists.
  • New economic areas: Investments along the railway line and an improved logistics structure offer growth opportunities.
  • Promoting innovation: The exchange between the business locations of Graz and Klagenfurt is becoming closer and more creative.

Applying with expert help

Employees who want to make the most of new career opportunities can get professional advice. Read our article to find out how it works: Easy application: the path to success in finance through recruitment consultancy.

Summary: Employees benefit from more flexible working arrangements and new job opportunities. Companies can use the expanded labor market to recruit talent in a more targeted way and develop economically.

Conclusion: Labor Market in Southern Austria in 2024 – A new era begins

The Koralm Railway will permanently change the labor market and offer numerous new opportunities for employees and companies. While skilled workers will benefit from a wider range of job offers, companies will have better access to talent and growth opportunities in a more dynamic economic region.

Further information about the Koralm Railway: https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/geschaeftspartner/innotrans/koralmbahn

Personalvermittlung Recruiterin

Are you looking for skilled workers in Graz or Klagenfurt? Our team at Schulmeister Management Consulting will be happy to support you with customized personnel consulting.

📩 Contact us for a non-binding consultation on personnel consulting in Graz or Klagenfurt!

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