Making informal educational achievements visible: Study on apprentice training presented
On January 29, 2026, a new study on apprentice training was presented at the Federal Trade and Crafts Congress of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). In a specialist presentation, DI Heidrun Bichler-Ripfel, Head of the Institute for Applied Trade Research, and Mag. Ulrike Sangeorzan-Sporer, Deputy Head of the Department of Education Policy, presented key findings and linked them to current insights from the research project "Old Virtues, New Work."
The "hidden curriculum" of dual training – and the rediscovery of old work ethics
Entitled "Survey of non-monetary, informal services provided by companies as educational institutions in apprentice training," the study highlights an often overlooked but essential aspect of dual vocational training in Austria: the so-called hidden curriculum. In addition to specialist knowledge and formal qualifications, apprentices acquire social and personal skills in their everyday work—from a sense of responsibility and reliability to teamwork and initiative.
However, these values are not only implicit learning content, but also reflect the "old work virtues" that were systematically examined in the "Old Virtues, New Work" project. This project shows that traditional virtues such as a sense of duty, accuracy, respect, and motivation continue to play a central role in success in skilled trades and crafts and are passed on in everyday working life.
In dual training programs in particular, these values are not taught in theory, but are lived out in everyday interactions—as a corporate culture and as part of professional socialization.
Training companies as key educational institutions and transmitters of values
The study presented focuses more closely on training companies as independent educational institutions. It shows that companies do much more than just provide technical qualifications: they create learning spaces, provide guidance, teach work attitudes, and promote social skills.
The Old Virtues project further emphasizes this role: small and medium-sized businesses in trade and crafts serve as central locations for imparting values and are crucial for passing on traditional work culture in a changing world of work. At the same time, the results show that these virtues are by no means incompatible with modern forms of work, but are compatible with "New Work" approaches when supported by appropriate organizational, economic, and cultural conditions.
Generation Z between new expectations and traditional values
The project places a particular focus on Generation Z, who are currently entering apprenticeship training. This generation is digitally savvy and expects transparent communication, meaningful tasks, and regular feedback. At the same time, research shows that traditional virtues such as reliability, clear task structures, and personal support are particularly important for their training success.
This makes it clear that the hidden curriculum and traditional work ethic form an important bridge between the expectations of young people and the demands of the working world.
Impetus for education policy and practice
Together with the current findings from the "Old Virtues" project, the study makes an important contribution to the further development of the education policy debate. It shows that dual training is much more than just the transfer of knowledge—it is a central place for personal development, the teaching of values, and professional socialization.
Recognition of these informal, non-monetary contributions made by training companies is crucial to comprehensively grasping the true value of dual training. At the same time, the research findings show that traditional work ethics should not only be preserved, but also actively integrated into modern work concepts.
