WIFI Upper Austria: Continuing education as the key to the future
Continuing education is becoming increasingly important, particularly in times of rapid change. Today, companies are not only looking for skilled workers with solid knowledge, but also for people who are willing to develop their skills, understand new technologies and respond flexibly to change. Continuing education not only creates new career opportunities, but also boosts self-confidence, personal responsibility and personal development.
When it comes to professional further training in Upper Austria, WIFI has been the number one choice for decades. WIFI Upper Austria stands for practical training, high quality standards and a wide range of courses: from specialist courses to management development. What is particularly valued is that at WIFI, trainers with practical experience teach for practical application. In other words, people who not only impart theoretical knowledge but also bring their experiences directly from everyday working life.
One of these long-standing trainers is Christian Bruneder. For many years, he has been supporting people in their professional and personal development, witnessing first-hand how the world of work is changing. #schongenial spoke to him about lifelong learning, new demands in the labour market and the role of adult education.
#schongenial: Mr Bruneder, how did you yourself come to be involved with WIFI Upper Austria and adult education?
Christian Bruneder: I had already been working as a trainer at Microsoft in the USA. There, I saw just how much practical further training can help people advance their careers, especially when technical knowledge is conveyed in a way that is understandable, applicable and immediately useful. When I wanted to continue on this path in Austria, WIFI was the obvious choice for me. WIFI Upper Austria stands for vocational further training with a strong practical focus, for quality and for people who want to actively develop their skills. This environment fits my approach perfectly: not just explaining knowledge, but conveying it in such a way that it actually makes a difference in everyday working life.
#schongenial: What inspires you about teaching adults?
Christian Bruneder: What excites me about adult education is that adults bring very specific experiences, expectations and goals with them. It’s not about learning ‘for the sake of it’, but mostly about very practical questions: How can I improve in my job? How can I use new tools effectively? How do I stay on the ball? How do I develop personally and professionally? Especially with topics like digitalisation and artificial intelligence, it’s important to provide guidance and get participants actively involved.
#schongenial: What developments are you currently observing in the labour market?
Christian Bruneder: Job profiles are changing much faster today than they were just a few years ago. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are now making their way into almost every sector – in the office, in production, in sales and even in the skilled trades. At the same time, the demands for personal responsibility and a willingness to learn are increasing. Companies are looking for people who are ready to embrace new tools and processes and to continuously develop their skills.
#schongenial: Which skills will be particularly important in the future?
Christian Bruneder: Alongside digital skills and AI expertise, communication skills, problem-solving skills and the ability to learn will be particularly crucial. It’s not about knowing everything. What will be far more important is remaining open to new ideas and being willing to keep developing.
#schongenial: In your experience, what motivates people to pursue further training alongside their job or family life?
Christian Bruneder: Many want to take the next step in their careers, take on more responsibility or keep up with current developments. Others want to prove to themselves that they can achieve something new. Further education not only strengthens knowledge but often boosts self-confidence too. When someone realises: “I can learn this, I understand it, I can apply it,” that’s when real motivation takes hold.
#schongenial: Are there any success stories from participants that have particularly stuck in your memory?
Christian Bruneder: In 20 years at WIFI OÖ, there are many such stories. I find it particularly impressive when people visibly grow through further training: professionally, in their careers and personally. This could be the office worker who later becomes a team leader, or someone who was initially unsure of themselves and leaves the course with significantly more self-confidence. Further training often changes not only a person’s CV, but also their self-image.
#schongenial: In your view, what makes a good trainer?
Christian Bruneder: Specialist knowledge is, of course, important. But what’s crucial is the ability to convey knowledge in a way that’s understandable, practical and tailored to the target audience. A good trainer listens, takes the participants seriously and treats them as equals. It also requires patience, structure, a sense of humour and a willingness to keep learning yourself.
#schongenial: What do you yourself learn from your participants?
Christian Bruneder: I learn a great deal about the reality of working life in companies and professions. Every group brings different experiences, questions and perspectives to the table. This keeps you grounded as a trainer. Participants provide very direct feedback on what is understandable, what is relevant and where there is still uncertainty. That is precisely what makes teaching exciting: you learn to reinterpret content time and time again.
#schongenial: What does lifelong learning mean to you personally?
Christian Bruneder: For me, lifelong learning means staying adaptable, both professionally and personally. Especially in the fields of digitalisation and AI, knowledge is changing at an extremely rapid pace. Anyone teaching today must be a learner again tomorrow. For me, continuing professional development isn’t an obligation, but an attitude: staying curious, staying open-minded and actively developing oneself.
#schongenial: What advice would you give to people who are currently considering further training?
Christian Bruneder: Don’t wait too long, but make a conscious decision. Good further training should fit in with your own goals and your current life situation. Further training is always an investment in knowledge, in self-confidence and in your own future prospects. Those who undertake further training take responsibility for their own development. And that is more important today than ever before.
#schongenial: Thank you very much for the fascinating insights and all the best for your future.
