Despite staff shortages, Graz’s professional fire brigade rejects academics

Tried twice, twice nothing happened. After graduating in tourism management, Nico Haberl realized that an office job was not for him. That’s why he applied for a job at the Graz professional fire brigade. “I am athletic, skilled in craftsmanship, willing to help people in emergency situations and have 15 years of experience with the Au volunteer fire brigade near Gaishorn. “I actually thought I would be well suited for this job,” the 27-year-old tells “Krone”.

But that was apparently not the case – even though the professional fire brigade was desperate for new personnel (we reported). The Upper Styrian resident has already been rejected twice, most recently last year. The reason was always the same: “Overqualification due to a diploma”. “I wasn’t even invited to the entrance test, so at least they could have gotten an idea of ​​who I am,” Haberl shakes his head.

“Anyone can apply”
In the office of the responsible Graz city councilor, Manfred Eber (KPÖ), reference is made to the applicable regulations. “Applicants who have completed vocational training in a fire service-specific area will receive preferential treatment. But of course anyone can apply.”

“Students just have something on their minds”
It is not only Haberl himself who is surprised that a learned profession takes precedence over years of operational experience: ‘You may still have in mind that students have something in their heads, but cannot work with their hands.’ Fire brigade up to 28 years old applies – if you are not overqualified.