Testcenter Carinthia

I had the pleasure of taking the advertising photos for Testcenter Carinthia.

Client: WIFI Carinthia

Official Press Release:

New, unique test center for adults, adolescents, businesses, and schools opened by the Chamber of Commerce and WIFI today.

Klagenfurt (OTS) – The model for the new career orientation facility is the highly successful Test and Training Center (TAZ): For twelve years, strengths and abilities of adolescents aged 13 to 16 – now around 40,000 – have been determined using a standardized procedure with more than 30 test stations. The Testcenter Carinthia (TCC) in the halls of the former post garage continues this proven concept and expands the offering to include industry-specific competency tests for adults. WK President Jürgen Mandl: “Our comprehensive and innovative testing system makes strengths and professional competencies visible at all ages and greatly assists in career orientation, whether for newcomers, career changers, or re-entrants.”

€4.5 million as “site investment” In addition, the test center connects businesses and employees to revitalize the job market and alleviate existing labor and skills shortages. Mandl: “We have thus created a modern, direct interface between the personnel needs of the economy and the diverse strengths and competencies of the Carinthian population.” The costs amount to a proud €4.5 million. “A direct investment by the Chamber of Commerce in the economic and living environment, which is unique in Europe,” emphasized Mandl this morning at the festive opening.

Reducing working hours is not a recipe for the future WKO President Harald Mahrer also expressed confidence in the functioning of the TCC: “We need to turn many different wheels to alleviate the labor shortage. Education and training are crucial. The test center makes an important contribution to bringing supply and demand in the labor market closer together.” It is about identifying talents early and building on them. Because especially in a rapidly changing job market, it is indispensable to stay on the ball and show commitment. Mahrer does not believe in current discussions about reducing the working week: “Working less and less will not be the recipe for success in the future. Those who know their strengths and find their calling will pursue their profession with passion and joy.”

Concrete career orientation Traditional career paths and work structures are changing rapidly. While previously, one education and one job were sufficient for an entire career, today employees change jobs or even industries several times throughout their careers. “This requires continuous adaptation and development of professional skills. Knowing one’s own strengths will play an even greater role in the future to meet the complexity and constant change of the working world,” explained Andreas Görgei, Managing Director of WIFI and Head of the Educational Policy Department of the WK.

Competencies and potentials in the TCC test For all adults who want to explore their strengths, competencies, and interests, the Testcenter Carinthia offers an innovative and well-founded testing system. The TCC test provides concrete career guidance and makes it easier for graduates to find a profession that matches their talents. The competency-based test results also provide insight into whether existing know-how meets the current requirements of companies. In addition to the fixed basic tests (basic and cognitive abilities), participants can choose from a range of industry-specific competency tests in areas such as technology, tourism, and administration.

100 special competency tests by 2030 The candidates’ results are presented relatively rather than absolutely: Each test result is compared to all candidates who have taken this test in the past twelve months. The results are available immediately after testing and are discussed together with individual development paths during a final orientation conversation. Görgei: “We are constantly expanding the range of tests. By 2030, at least 100 competency tests should be available through corresponding test developments by professional groups and guilds, and around 3,000 people should be tested annually.”

TCC test for companies The Testcenter Carinthia also directly supports companies in selecting the most qualified applicants, finding suitable professionals, and thus ensuring business success. Companies can have applicants objectively tested for an open position at the TCC. In addition, companies can deposit a job profile for free and become aware of compatible professionals during the normal tests. A single testing procedure, including an orientation discussion, lasts between two and a half and four hours and costs €198 (including 10% VAT).

Discover strengths – the TCC Junior test The Testcenter Carinthia is the most experienced provider of career orientation for Carinthian schools. Here, students not only discover their talents but also learn about the apprenticeships that match their strengths. If they do not visit the TCC with their school class, young people can also register for a junior individual test at the Testcenter Carinthia.

TCC Junior test for companies The Testcenter Carinthia also helps Carinthian companies find suitable apprentices. For this purpose, companies deposit their own job profile and can additionally have a company TCC Junior test carried out for the specific selection of apprentices. A total of 19 criteria are tested, such as technical-physical and logical understanding, spatial awareness, manual dexterity, English, general knowledge, commercial know-how, IT skills, and more. After completing the test course, the young people receive their detailed test results, their personal strengths diploma, and suitable apprenticeship suggestions on-site. The testing process takes about four hours and costs €22 for class enrollment and €33 for individual testing (including 10% VAT).

Figures, data, facts A total of €4.5 million was invested by the Chamber of Commerce Carinthia. The ongoing operation is carried out by WIFI GmbH and is not profit-oriented. “With the move of the educational policy department of the Chamber of Commerce Carinthia to the Testcenter Carinthia, additional expertise was brought into the house. Within five years, the number of test candidates is expected to increase to around 3,000,” explained WK Director Meinrad Höfferer.

Target groups of the test center are: All employers, the Public Employment Service (AMS), private individuals. Members of the Chamber of Commerce can also use the test center as an assessment service provider. Creating company or organizational profiles is free.

The test center was opened today, on March 1, 2024, after less than a year of construction. The test operation of the previous TAZ has already been integrated into the Testcenter Carinthia. During the construction phase, 2,500 young people were already tested in the new building. A simulator center and extensive counseling services complement the offering.

The Chamber of Commerce Carinthia supports

School classes: Price per student: €22 (including 10% VAT) In addition, the Chamber of Commerce Carinthia covers the costs of bus transfers from the school to the TCC for school classes.

Chamber of Commerce members: Per test candidate: €33 (including 10% VAT)

Individual tests: Per test candidate: €33 (including 10% VAT)

FOR INQUIRIES & CONTACT:

Chamber of Commerce Carinthia Public Relations 05 90 904 – 660 oeffentlichkeitsarbeit@wkk.or.at wko.at/ktn