Mentoring for Migrants

The “Mentoring for Migrants” programme was launched in 2008 by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) in cooperation with the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and the Public Employment Service (AMS). It connects experienced professionals from the Austrian business community with qualified people with a migration background to support their integration into the labour market. Today, the programme is considered a successful flagship initiative in the German-speaking region, with more than 3,000 mentoring pairs formed and many participants successfully entering the Austrian job market.

Why mentoring matters Having a job is a key factor for successful integration. Around 2.5 million people living in Austria have a migration background, making up a significant share of the population. However, labour market integration is not only about qualifications. Access to professional networks, informal knowledge and a good understanding of how the Austrian labour market works are equally important. Many qualified migrants face challenges such as limited professional contacts, a lack of local experience or difficulties in navigating application processes. This is where mentoring can make a crucial difference by providing guidance, opening doors to networks and supporting people in taking the next steps in their careers.

How the programme works

Each mentoring pair consists of:

• a mentor: an experienced business professional
• a mentee: a qualified person with a migration background

Over a period of around six months, mentors provide practical support, including:

• career guidance and goal setting
• application training and interview preparation
• access to professional networks
• feedback on career opportunities in Austria

The matching process is a key success factor – mentees and mentors are paired based on professional background, experience and language skills.

Benefits for everyone

Impact

The programme shows that mentoring is an effective tool for labour market integration.

Evaluations consistently highlight:

• high satisfaction among participants
• strong perceived benefits for both mentors and mentees
• positive effects on employability and networking

A win-win model

“Mentoring for Migrants” helps unlock the potential of qualified migrants while strengthening Austria’s economy and society.

It demonstrates that integration, economic success and social cohesion go hand in hand.