In 2024, the Austrian Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) achieved an impressive milestone with 120,000 applications for roughly 4,000 vacancies, marking a record high. This represents an increase of 40,000 applications compared to the previous year and stands as the highest number ever received. This surge in applications highlights ÖBB’s growing appeal as a top employer in the region.
ÖBB’s workforce also saw substantial growth in 2024, with the company hiring 6,200 new colleagues, including 685 apprentices. Alongside these new recruits, about 1,000 employees were integrated into Arverio. The influx of new employees compensates for retirements and voluntary departures, leading to a slight overall increase in the workforce. By the end of 2024, the company employed nearly 47,500 individuals – an increase of 5.4% compared to 2023.
CEO Andreas Matthä sees this surge as a clear testament to ÖBB’s growing attractiveness as an employer: “More and more people don’t just want to be passengers; they want to shape the mobility of tomorrow with us. ÖBB jobs are attractive because they offer stability and future-readiness. We are happy to welcome many new people – the motto is: If you can do something, come to the railway.”
The significant increase in new employees is crucial to meet personnel needs over the coming years. As the baby boomer generation retires by 2030, ÖBB anticipates an annual need for around 4,100 new employees, a monumental challenge. The company has embraced modern workforce planning and innovative recruitment strategies to tackle this challenge effectively. Since last year, ÖBB has facilitated direct applications at the job shop in Vienna Mitte, receiving 1,320 applications in just eight months.
ÖBB continues to stand out as an attractive employer by offering a range of modern benefits in addition to job security. Employees enjoy flexible working time models, company childcare services, support for caring relatives, and “Flexi Friday,” where core working hours on Fridays are relaxed in many departments, enhancing work-life balance. Further benefits include career advancement opportunities, ÖBB apartments, health promotion schemes, and special sign-on bonuses for key positions such as shunting and train dispatch.
The public transport sector remains on a growth trajectory, with rising passenger numbers and increased freight volumes on the rails. The sector’s expanding role in the transport system and economy reflects its importance in the domestic labour market. As the fifth-largest employer in Austria, ÖBB offers secure jobs within a stable, future-proof industry. In economically challenging times, ÖBB provides reliable, timely salary payments, reinforcing its position as a trusted employer.
In addition to recruitment, ÖBB places a strong emphasis on employee retention and professional growth. Through structured onboarding programmes, focused knowledge management, and comprehensive health benefits, the company not only attracts new talent but ensures ongoing support and career development. Employee retention is a key priority for CEO Matthä: “ÖBB stands for stability, diversity, and progress. With these values, we are not only shaping the mobility of tomorrow but also offering meaningful, long-term opportunities for our employees.”
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