New Horizons for training and employment
During this varied week, people with disabilities and young people in need of support have the opportunity to experience the different departments of the BILLA PLUS store up close. They get to know the processes in areas such as delicatessen, checkout, and fresh produce, and discover the promising career opportunities BILLA offers as one of Austria’s largest employers. The goal is to open up new, practical perspectives for training and/or employment!
“Inclusion is not just a buzzword for us at BILLA, but a central element of our corporate philosophy,” says Stefan Weinlich, BILLA Sales Director in Lower Austria. “The Inclusion Week in Bad Vöslau is a great opportunity to nurture talent and spark enthusiasm for a professional future. Our initiative impressively demonstrates that participation in the labor market is not only possible but enriching when we actively create opportunities together.”
Cooperation with NEBA to break down barriers
The Inclusion Week is carried out in close cooperation with NEBA, a nationwide initiative of the Social Ministry Service. NEBA supports people with disabilities in entering the labor market and provides valuable assistance to companies. NEBA experts are on-site to support participants directly, provide information about entry opportunities, and act as guides toward successfully implemented inclusive employment.
Province of Lower Austria: Strong partners for inclusion
The initiative is also supported by the Province of Lower Austria, which focuses on promoting professional participation.
“The Inclusion Week impressively shows how collaboration between companies, institutions, and committed individuals can create real opportunities. When businesses are willing to integrate people with disabilities into their teams, it’s not only a benefit for those affected but also for society as a whole. Diversity is a strength that defines our country, and that’s why we need projects like this that inspire and set examples,” says Member of the Lower Austrian Provincial Parliament Marlene Zeidler-Beck, representing Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
“The Social Ministry Service (SMS) has been funding counseling and support services for many years, which can be used free of charge by at-risk youth, people with disabilities, and companies. The most important services are bundled in the Network for Vocational Assistance (NEBA). Through the Inclusion Week, BILLA offers people with disabilities real opportunities in the labor market and, in cooperation with NEBA services provided by SMS, can find valuable employees for the future – a truly positive win-win situation,” says Günther Widy, Head of the Social Ministry Service in Lower Austria.
Lisa Köb, Head of People and Culture at BILLA, also emphasizes the importance of the initiative: “The Inclusion Weeks are part of our diverse measures to support people with disabilities. They provide initial access to the labor market – and often lead to permanent employment or training relationships. Lived inclusion is a hallmark of our corporate culture. The individual strengths of each person enrich our teams – and it’s precisely this diversity that makes us successful as a company.”
BILLA: On the path to an inclusive society
BILLA is committed year-round to the inclusion of people with disabilities and aims to break down barriers. With nearly 1,000 employees with disabilities within the REWE Group Austria, BILLA impressively demonstrates that diversity is a strength.
The Inclusion Week in Bad Vöslau is more than just an event – it is a milestone on the path to an inclusive working and shopping environment where perspectives are realized and talents can shine.
