Austria is facing a declining number of apprentices, a trend driven by demographic changes and shifting career aspirations among young people. While the number of apprentices has historically followed demographic trends, the percentage of young people choosing apprenticeships has dropped in recent decades. The traditional apprenticeship system, a cornerstone of Austrian vocational training, is seeing a decline in popularity as academic pathways become increasingly attractive. Despite this, Austria still boasts a high rate of apprenticeship participation compared to other OECD countries. The article highlights a significant shift in apprenticeship choices, with industries like tourism and hospitality experiencing a decline while technology-related apprenticeships are booming. The shrinking pool of young people entering the workforce coupled with the aging of the current skilled workforce is raising concerns about potential future shortages in skilled labor.