Summary: strengths, challenges and recommendations -Strengths of the Austrian VET system -Challenges confronting Austria’s VET system -Recommendations Chapter 1. Introduction -1.1. The OECD policy review of Austria -1.2. The structure of the report -1.3. A snapshot of Austria’s VET system -1.4. Strengths of Austria’s VET system -1.5. Challenges confronting Austria’s VET system -1.6. The economic context Chapter 2. Policy recommendations -2.1. Reform of the 9th grade -2.2. VET qualifications: getting the balance right -2.3. Minimum quality standards of apprenticeship training -2.4. Provision for students who cannot find an apprenticeship place -2.5. Career guidance services -2.6. Literacy and numeracy skills References Annex A: Background information -1. Programme of the review visit Annex B: International and national statistics

This OECD study of vocational education and training (VET) in Austria is designed to help Austria make its VET systems more responsive to labour market needs. The review assesses the main challenges faced by the VET system and presents an interconnected package of policy recommendations. For each recommendation, the report describes the challenge, the recommendation itself, supporting arguments, and issues of implementation.