The vocational orientation methods at the Talentcenter were developed as part of a research project at the Karl-Franzens University Graz and are still being further developed and refined. Various testing stations are set up at the Talentcenter and the equipment includes installations, PCs with touchscreens, compact workstations, a presentation area and motor skill stations, as well as a break room and “relaxation zone”. The goal of all of this is to examine students’ personal interests, motor skills and receptivity, cognitive abilities, general skills and career-relevant knowledge.

Following a brief pre-evaluation at school, the day at the Talentcenter – including greeting, testing, breaks and dismissal – takes around four and a half hours. The students are accompanied through the test course by Guides and undergo assessments of their cognitive abilities, motor skills, general skills and career-relevant knowledge. At the end, everyone receives a certificate. The individual Talentreport for each student can be retrieved after the visit using the student’s chosen user name and password via Login Talentreport .

Education and training are of central importance in Austria. Our school and vocational training programs prepare young people for life. However, when it is time to consider their profession and career, there is often a lack of orientation for youth. On the other hand, companies increasingly struggle to find suitable employees.

The Talentcenter of the Styrian Economic Chamber sees itself as an orientation platform which supports young people in schools and training programs: It offers youth assistance in making the decisions to find a training program that is both right for them and will lead them to their goals.

To receive their results, young people can retrieve their individual Talentreport online the next day. The Talentreport is a written and graphical representation of the results that is easy to understand and offers a chance to actively engage with the topic of vocational orientation, including a list of suggestions for suitable occupations with different educational paths.

With vocational training, young people lay the corner stone for their careers and the rest of their lives. In finding a direction, interests and talents are important indicators. The Talentcheck helps to illuminate those that are most pronounced for each individual student and provides recommendations for future training and occupational opportunities. With the result – the personal Talentreport – it is easier for the student to orient themselves.