GPS Kärnten

What GPS Kärnten does

GPS Kärnten is a non-profit social enterprise and private limited company (Gemeinnütziges Personalservice Kärnten GmbH) headquartered in Klagenfurt, Austria, founded in 1997 and reorganized into a GmbH in 2001. The organization operates as an integrated employment services platform spanning three pillars: AMS Bereich (cooperation with the Austrian Public Employment Service), GAKÜ (gemeinnützige Arbeitskräfteüberlassung — subsidized non-profit labor leasing), and ABZ Villach (a vocational training center). It serves labor-market-disadvantaged job seekers — including the long-term unemployed (365+ days), persons aged 50+, career re-entrants, persons with migration backgrounds, and people with disabilities — by placing them in subsidized transit employment with municipalities, non-profits (Caritas Kärnten, Diakonie de La Tour, Almwirtschaftsverein, etc.), and public institutions across all 8 districts of Carinthia, and supporting their transition into the primary labor market. The company operates five physical locations (Klagenfurt HQ, Villach, Wolfsberg, Spittal an der Drau, and the 2025 Völkermarkt site) plus a wholly-owned subsidiary SGB Soziale Gemeinwohl Beschäftigung GmbH (founded 2018) handling non-subsidized commercial labor leasing. Over 2,950 permanent placements have been achieved cumulatively since 1997.

Core technology is not a primary differentiator. GPS relies on standard enterprise software, A1 server hosting, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, and YouTube for web operations, and operates without a public API, SDK, or developer platform. The notable technical asset is the ABZ Villach training facility (~1,500–2,500 m²) equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical/industrial equipment — metal technology workshops, mechatronics labs, electrical and automation training stations, welding facilities, and a 3D metal printing laboratory described as unique in Central Europe. This equipment supports both internal vocational training and cross-border research (ADDCIRCLES Interreg SI-AT, 2023–2026).

The business model is a hybrid of subsidized labor leasing and fee-based services, funded primarily through Austrian public employment programs. In the GAKÜ model, GPS acts as legal employer (Dienstgeber) of project participants and leases them to municipalities and non-profits; AMS, ESF/ESF+, and Land Kärnten co-finance up to 92% of wages, while the Beschäftäftiger (employer/client) pays 8% of non-subsidized personnel costs plus a monthly 10% administration fee + 10% VAT. ABZ Villach generates course-fee revenue (e.g., €899 per participant for a 30-hour Pneumatik Grundkurs) from companies and individuals, supplemented by AMS-funded überbetriebliche (inter-company) apprenticeship programs. Go-to-market is institutional: AMS counselors refer eligible job seekers; Standortleitungen (regional site managers) conduct direct field sales to municipalities and non-profits; ABZ Villach engages Lehrbetriebe through direct B2B outreach, industry events, and partnerships with BFI Kärnten and WIFI Kärnten. No paid digital marketing is executed at scale.

Name

GPS Kärnten

Legal name

Gemeinnütziges Personalservice Kärnten GmbH

Website

https://gps-kaernten.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

GPS Kärnten is a non-profit social enterprise in Carinthia, Austria, providing subsidized labor leasing, vocational training (ABZ Villach), and labor market reintegration programs for disadvantaged job seekers in cooperation with AMS, municipalities, non-profits, and ESF/ESF+ public funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Employment Services

NAICS

Employment Services (5613), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

General Permanent Placement (Multi-Industry) (BPACAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local & Regional Generalist Staffing Agencies (BPACACAH), Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL)

Keywords

• Labor market reintegration
• Non-profit employment services
• Vocational training programs
• Subsidized labor leasing
• Workforce development services

Headquarters

HQ city

Klagenfurt

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Gemeinnützige Arbeitskräfteüberlassung (Non-profit Labor Leasing): GPS Kärnten acts as employer (Dienstgeber) for project participants and leases them to municipalities, non-profits, and public institutions via gemeinnützige Arbeitskräfteüberlassung. Revenue is generated through employer co-payments (8% of personnel costs not covered by public subsidies) and a monthly administrative fee of 10% of personnel costs plus 10% VAT. Public subsidies (AMS, Land Kärnten, ESF) cover the majority of wages (up to 92% for some programs).
2. EU/ESF Project Funding (Interreg SI-AT): GPS Kärnten participates as a project partner in EU-funded cross-border programs (e.g., ADDCIRCLES Interreg SI-AT). Funding covers project coordination, staff, and pilot activities. Lead partner is Fakultät für Polymertechnologie, Slovenia. Project duration 01.11.2023–31.10.2026.
3. Vocational Training Services (ABZ Villach): ABZ Villach generates revenue through course fees charged to companies and individuals for vocational training programs. Fees include VAT (10% or 20%). Example: Pneumatik Grundkurs at €899 per participant. Revenue is supplemented by cooperation with AMS for überbetriebliche (inter-company) apprenticeship programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

GPS Kärnten is a non-profit employment services organization that operates a tripartite service model: (1) GAKÜ — non-profit labor leasing that employs labor-market-disadvantaged persons as the legal employer and leases them to municipalities, non-profits, and public institutions at heavily subsidized rates; (2) ABZ Villach — a vocational training center delivering inter-company apprenticeship training and continuing education in metalwork, mechatronics, electrical, automation, welding, and additive manufacturing; and (3) AMS Bereich — employment services for job seekers referred by the Austrian Public Employment Service. The offering is funded primarily by public subsidies (AMS, ESF, Land Kärnten) and targets disadvantaged groups including the long-term unemployed, persons 50+, re-entrants, and welfare recipients across all eight districts of Carinthia.

Product overview

GPS Kärnten GmbH is a non-profit employment services organization operating a multi-component portfolio. The core offering consists of employment integration services (AMS Bereich, GAKÜ) that connect labor-market-disadvantaged persons with subsidized positions. The subsidiary Ausbildungszentrum Villach (ABZ) provides vocational training in metalworking, mechatronics, electrical, automation, welding, and additive manufacturing. The company delivers these through multiple ESF/AMS-funded employment projects (BIK, Sprungbrett GPS, EGIA, Job_300plus, MIK, Beschäftigung mit Perspektive, PNB, Perspektive Green Jobs, SUE, Aktion 20.000, Öko & Work) targeting different groups (50+, long-term unemployed, disabled). A subsidiary SGB GmbH handles non-subsidized labor leasing. The ADDCIRCLES project focuses on additive manufacturing innovation. Together these form a continuum from job placement support to vocational education to subsidized employment to permanent integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GAKÜ — Gemeinnützige Arbeitskräfteüberlassung (Non-profit Labor Leasing) GPS Kärnten acts as legal employer (Dienstgeber) for labor-market-disadvantaged project participants and leases them to municipalities, non-profit institutions, and public associations (Vereine) across all eight districts of Carinthia. Public subsidies (AMS, Land Kärnten, ESF) cover up to 92% of wages; the Beschäftiger (client) pays 8% of non-subsidized personnel costs plus a 10% monthly administrative fee (plus 10% VAT). GPS handles all employment administration, payroll, social contributions, and legal compliance.
• Ausbildungszentrum Villach (ABZ) — Vocational Training Center Vocational training center at Europastraße 9, 9524 Villach, delivering inter-company apprenticeship training (überbetriebliche Lehrausbildung), vocational upskilling, and continuing education in metal technology, mechatronics, electrical engineering, automation, welding, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). The facility houses a 3D metal printing laboratory described as unique in Central Europe (as of 2024). Customers include companies (Lehrbetriebe), apprentices, career changers, and individuals paying course fees (e.g., Pneumatik Grundkurs at €899 per participant for 30 hours, plus 10% or 20% VAT).
• SGB GmbH — Commercial Labor Leasing (Subsidiary) Wholly owned subsidiary providing commercial (non-subsidized) labor leasing services with quality, reliability, and tailored staffing solutions for employers seeking qualified temporary workers outside the scope of subsidized programs. Operates on market rates and targets companies needing staffing solutions.
• AMS Bereich — Employment Services for AMS-Referred Job Seekers Employment services arm delivered in cooperation with the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). AMS counselors across Carinthia refer eligible job seekers to GPS programs, where they receive placement, vocational training support, and subsidized employment opportunities aimed at labor-market reintegration. Service is co-financed by AMS, Land Kärnten, and ESF.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,950 permanent placements achieved through labor reintegration programs since founding (1997)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024ORF covered the GPS-Almwirtschaftsverein alpine maintenance project on 'Land und Leute' program (aired 27 July 2024). ORF journalist Barbara Altersberger visited the Lammersdorfer Alm. Media coverage provides promotional value and public awareness for GPS programs.
• Fakultät für Polymertechnologie, Slowenien (Lead Partner)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Lead partner in the ADDCIRCLES Interreg SI-AT project (01.11.2023–31.10.2026). The project focuses on advancing additive manufacturing (3D printing) in the Slovenia-Austria border region. GPS Kärnten participates as a project partner, contributing to workforce training and regional economic development through additive manufacturing.
• Fachhochschule Kärnten (University of Applied Sciences Carinthia)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Project partner in the ADDCIRCLES Interreg SI-AT project. Contributes academic expertise to additive manufacturing research and development. Cooperates with GPS on training and knowledge transfer in advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Project partner in ADDCIRCLES Interreg SI-AT. Contributes expertise in construction and civil engineering applications of additive manufacturing.
• Caritas KärntencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023GPS cooperates with Caritas Kärnten on the Beschäftigung mit Perspektive project. Project participants work in Caritas-operated Second Hand-Shops ('carla') in Villach and Klagenfurt. Activities focus on sustainability (recycling, upcycling, waste reduction) and social engagement. The cooperation provides meaningful employment for disadvantaged persons in retail and sustainability roles.
• AMS Kärnten (Arbeitsmarktservice Kärnten)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016AMS Kärnten is the primary public funding and operational partner. AMS refers eligible job seekers to GPS programs, co-finances wages (up to 66.67% via ESF and 25.33% via Land Kärnten), and jointly oversees project implementation across all five GPS locations in Carinthia. The cooperation spans multiple programs including BIK, Beschäftigung mit Perspektive, Sprungbrett GPS, EGIA, JOB_300plus, SUE, and PNB.
• Kärntner Almwirtschaftsverein (Carinthian Alpine Farming Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Longstanding partnership (since 2016) for the 'Almerhaltung und Revitalisierung' project. The association coordinates alpine farmers, creates the seasonal work plan, and provides daily on-site supervision. GPS provides workers via AMS-funded projects who perform alpine maintenance (fence repair, path maintenance, clearing) across ~59 alpine pastures. Over 10 years of continuous cooperation. 8–10 persons employed annually. ORF television coverage of the partnership in 2024.
• TÜV AustriaminorOthersTÜV Austria certified GPS Kärnten's management system according to ÖNORM EN ISO 9001:2015. The certification confirms the effectiveness of GPS's quality management measures. Certification is maintained annually.
• A1 Österreich (Server Hosting)minorOthersGPS website is hosted on A1 server infrastructure. A1 performs standard visitor traffic analysis. GPS states that data is not shared with GPS and is used only for basic statistics.
• LBI — Lavanttaler BeschäftigungsinitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPS cooperated with LBI on the 'Beeren Kräuter Wein Raggl' project (since 2016). LBI provides the property and specialist expertise. Project involves cultivation of berries, herbs, and wine, with participants learning about cultivation, maintenance, and harvest of agricultural products.
• BFI-Kärnten and WIFI-KärntenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABZ Villach cooperates with BFI-Kärnten and WIFI-Kärnten in the framework of AMS-funded überbetriebliche (inter-company) apprenticeship training. These institutions provide theoretical education while ABZ Villach delivers practical training. ABZ also cooperates with Bildungszentrum Litzlhof for alpine farming safety training.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Caritas Österreich: Austria's largest non-profit social services organization. Operates social-employment, labor-market reintegration, and care programs with similar AMS/ESF funding mechanisms; GPS is a strategic cooperation partner (Caritas Kärnten runs Second Hand-Shops staffed by GPS participants).
• Hilfswerk Österreich: Austrian non-profit providing care and employment services. Comparable in mobilizing subsidized labor for community services; competes for AMS project funding in similar regions.
• Volkshilfe Österreich: Austrian social-services NGO with employment integration programs. Operates in similar AMS-funded social-employment space, targeting disadvantaged populations, with overlapping services in Carinthia and other Austrian states.
• Diakonie Österreich: Major Austrian welfare/employment non-profit with regional branches. Diakonie de La Tour is a direct GPS customer; comparable in providing social-pedagogical support and subsidized employment to disadvantaged groups, with broader social-service scope.

Direct peers

• WIFI Wirtschaftsförderungsinstitut (WKO): Chamber of Commerce vocational training institute. Partners with ABZ Villach on überbetriebliche apprenticeship; offers comparable continuing-education and apprenticeship programs for Carinthian companies and apprentices.
• BFI Berufsförderungsinstitut Österreich: Largest Austrian vocational training provider. Cooperates with ABZ Villach on inter-company apprenticeship (überbetriebliche) training; competes and collaborates in AMS-funded workforce development and adult education across Austria.
• arbeit plus – Soziale Unternehmen Österreich: Austrian umbrella/network of social enterprises active in labor-market integration. GPS is a member-type organization; the network represents social-employment firms with similar gemeinnützige structures and AMS cooperation models.
• FAB – Verein zur Förderung von Arbeit und Beschäftigung: Austrian non-profit employment organization operating in Upper Austria and beyond. Provides comparable AMS-funded Beschäftigungsprojekte, social-pedagogical support, and permanent placement outcomes; the closest analogue outside Carinthia.

Others

• Sodexo Austria: Global facilities and workforce-solutions company with Austrian presence. Relevant indirect peer for SGB GmbH's commercial labor-leasing ambitions and for facility-support services GPS provides to municipalities.
• Fachhochschule Kärnten: Carinthia University of Applied Sciences; project partner in ADDCIRCLES Interreg SI-AT. Relevant adjacent institution for upskilling and additive manufacturing research that complements ABZ Villach's vocational training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GPS Kärnten