What Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH does

Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH is a non-profit social services organization headquartered in Graz, Styria (Austria), founded in 1948. It operates across more than 140 locations in all 12 districts of Styria with a workforce of approximately 1,300–1,540 employees, serving roughly 19,300 customers annually. The organization is structured around four interconnected service pillars: (1) Wohnen — residential care including full-time, part-time, intensive and crisis accommodation for children/youth, people with disabilities, and Housing First programs for homeless individuals; (2) Unterstützung im Lebensumfeld — community-based support including family counseling, early intervention, school and leisure assistance, supported communication, mobile psychiatric care, and self-help; (3) Ausbildung, Beschäftigung und Arbeitsmarkt — vocational training, AusbildungsFit, production schools, apprenticeship placement, job coaching, and supported employment; and (4) Gastro & Verkauf — a portfolio of social enterprises (incafé, HERZLich Laden, re-use shops, Malwerkstatt gallery, organic farm Attendorf, handyman/laundry/sewing services, Postpartner Leoben) that combine commercial activity with inclusive employment. Two wholly-owned subsidiaries extend the platform: inbildung (an ISO 21001:2018-certified continuing education institute offering certificate programs and a catalog of ~30+ priced seminars) and inberatung (legal consultation).

The business operates with no proprietary technology platform; service delivery is human-staff intensive (social workers, counselors, job coaches) and orchestrated through owned physical infrastructure. There is no public API, no mobile app, and no software product. Continuing education courses are sold directly via the jaw.or.at website with publicly listed prices ranging from €30 (webinars) to €3,440 (the wba-accredited Personal Future Planning program). Revenue is contract-based and predominantly sourced from public-sector payers: Land Steiermark, Stadt Graz, AMS Steiermark, the Sozialministeriumservice, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the BMBWF, and the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK). The governing structure consists of two co-Managing Directors (Walerich Berger and Sandra Schimmler) and a President (Walter Ferk, since January 2023). Commercial revenue from cafés, catering, retail shops, and adult-education tuition is supplementary rather than primary.

Name

Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH

Legal name

Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH

Website

https://jaw.or.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH is a non-profit social services provider in Graz, Austria, delivering residential care, disability support, youth/family services, vocational training, and inclusive social enterprises across 140+ Styrian locations for ~19,300 customers annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Social services
• Disability support
• Vocational training
• Housing assistance
• Adult education

Headquarters

HQ city

Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Public Social Services Funding: Jugend am Werk Steiermark operates as a non-profit social services organization funded primarily through public contracts with Austrian federal and state government bodies (Land Steiermark, Stadt Graz, AMS Steiermark, Sozialministeriumservice), the European Social Fund (ESF+), and other public-sector funding mechanisms. Revenue is derived from service contracts for disability support, youth services, employment assistance, and housing services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Jugend am Werk Steiermark is a non-profit social services organization delivering publicly funded residential care, disability support, family counseling, vocational training, and labor-market integration services across more than 140 locations in Styria. It supplements contract-based social services with social-enterprise revenue from inclusive cafés/bistros, retail shops (HERZLich Laden, re-use-shops, Malwerkstatt), catering, Postpartner postal services, and the Ökologische Landwirtschaft Attendorf organic farm. It also runs the inbildung continuing education institute providing ISO 21001:2018-certified certificate programs for social sector professionals.

Product overview

Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH is one of the largest social service providers in Styria, operating as a diversified portfolio of social enterprises and support services. The organization offers four interconnected service pillars: (1) Living services (Wohnen) including residential care for children, youth, people with disabilities, and Housing First homeless support programs; (2) Support in living environment (Unterstützung im Lebensumfeld) encompassing family counseling, early intervention, assisted communication, psychiatric care, and self-help services; (3) Training, employment, and labor market services (Ausbildung, Beschäftigung und Arbeitsmarkt) providing vocational programs like AusbildungsFit, production schools, job coaching, and supported employment for people with disabilities; and (4) Social enterprises including inclusive cafes/restaurants (incafé, Café & Bistro Gürtelturm), retail shops (HERZLich Laden, re-use-shops, Malwerkstatt gallery), agricultural operations (Ökologische Landwirtschaft Attendorf), and professional services (cleaning, laundry, woodworking, moving services). Additionally, the inbildung institute provides continuing education and certificate programs for social sector professionals, including specialized programs for Supported Communication and Personal Future Planning. The organization serves approximately 19,300 customers annually through over 140 locations across Styria with approximately 1,300 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• inbildung: Continuing education and training institute offering seminars, programs, and in-house training for social sector professionals, certified to ISO 21001:2018 and Ö-Cert quality standards.
• inberatung
• HERZLich Laden
• incafé
• re-use-shop
• handwerk Liezen
• Postpartner

Products and services

• Wohnen (Living Services) Residential care services for children, youth, people with disabilities, and Housing First programs for homeless individuals. Offers full-time, part-time, intensive, and crisis accommodation options across more than 140 locations in Styria.
• Unterstützung im Lebensumfeld (Support in Living Environment) Comprehensive community-based support including family counseling, early intervention (Frühe Hilfen), school assistance (Schulassistenz), kindergarten assistance, leisure assistance, supported communication, mobile psychiatric care (Mobiles Service der Psychiatrie / MSB), psychotherapeutic counseling, and self-help services for children, adults with disabilities, and individuals with mental illness.
• Ausbildung, Beschäftigung und Arbeitsmarkt (Training, Employment and Labor Market) Vocational training and employment support including AusbildungsFit, production schools (Produktionsschule), apprenticeship coaching, work assistance for people with disabilities, supported employment, and business services for companies seeking to hire diverse employees.
• Gastro & Verkauf (Inclusive Catering and Retail) Social enterprises comprising inclusive cafés and bistros (incafé Mürzzuschlag, incafé Bistro & Catering, Café & Bistro Gürtelturm, Ladencafé), catering and school/kindergarten meals, and direct delivery through in-service kitchen operations. The cafés function as both commercial outlets and inclusive workplaces for program participants.
• Dienstleistungen (Professional Services) Workforce-integration services including handyman and cleaning, laundry and ironing, sewing, escort services for seniors, office services, moving and decluttering, woodworking workshop (handwerk Lieben — custom furniture, fencing, carports), and Postpartner postal services; offered through program-participant employment.
• inbildung (Continuing Education Institute) Continuing education institute offering seminars, certificate programs, and in-house trainings for social-sector professionals. Operated from Gürtelturmplatz 1/7. Stock in Graz with modern seminar rooms and a café. Certifications: ISO 21001:2018 and Ö-Cert Qualitätsanbieter, with wba, BÖP, GuKG, and StSBBG recognition.
• Fachkraft Unterstützte Kommunikation (Certificate Program) Six-module certificate program qualifying participants as specialists in Supported Communication, covering graphic symbols, diagnostics, sign language, technical aids, and AAC; certified by Gesellschaft für Unterstütze Kommunikation e.V.
• Lehrgang Persönliche Zukunftsplanung (Personal Future Planning Program) 152-hour certificate program (112 classroom hours + 40 self-study hours) on person-centered planning methodologies such as MAPS and PATH, including support-circle facilitation; accredited with 9 ECTS by wba.
• Qualifizierte Arbeitsbegleitung in der Behindertenhilfe (Qualified Work Assistance in Disability Support) 200-hour certificate program for acquiring pedagogical qualifications for skilled workers in disability-support facilities under StBHG LEVO regulations, including 40 hours of practical internship.
• HERZLich Laden Inclusive retail shop selling handmade unique items crafted with social value by participants in employment programs; functions as both commercial outlet and inclusive workplace.
• Malwerkstatt (Inclusive Art Workshop & Gallery) Inclusive gallery with own atelier providing a creative space for artists with disabilities; features art brut works and serves as both exhibition venue and participant employment platform.
• Re-use-shops Chain of second-hand retail shops offering sustainable, resource-conserving, and charitable sales of used goods; provides employment opportunities for program participants.
• Ökologische Landwirtschaft Attendorf (Organic Farm Attendorf) Organic farming operation producing seasonal and rare fresh produce; available weekly at the inclusive market stall on Lendplatz in Graz. Functions as both production site and inclusive employment.
• Postpartner Leoben Post office partner shop located at Schießstattstraße 10a, 8700 Leoben, offering package and letter services, Bank99 financial services, postcards, stamps, phone credit, and handcrafted products; provides inclusive employment for program participants.
• Jobs & Karriere Portal Online job portal where candidates can apply for current vacancies, internships, civilian service, and voluntary social year positions at Jugend am Werk Steiermark.

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AMS Steiermark (Arbeitsmarktservice)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary public employment service partner. AMS Steiermark co-funds and refers clients to vocational training, apprenticeship, and employment support programs including AusbildungsFit, Produktionsschule, and Jugendcoaching.
• Land SteiermarkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government of Styria is a core public funding partner and co-funder of social services programs. Provides the Landespreis Familienfreundlichster Betrieb award and co-finances Housing First and disability services.
• Stadt GrazcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Graz co-funds programs and provides partnership for Housing First and sustainability initiatives including Klimaschutzpakt Graz.
• Bundesministerium für Bildung (BMB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal education ministry supports educational and training programs.
• Jugend am Werk Salzburg GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization operating the same social services model in Salzburg. Founded from the Styrian headquarters.
• Jugend am Werk Niederösterreich GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization operating the same social services model in Lower Austria.
• Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian public health insurance provider co-finances health promotion and workplace health programs.
• Licht ins Dunkel (ORF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian charity organization (ORF-run) supports social projects and programs.
• EU-Projekt: Speak for UnityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean cooperation project promoting unity and social inclusion across borders.
• EU-Projekt: TRICminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded transnational project.
• EU-Projekt: STEP-AUTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded transnational project.
• EU-Projekt: Building BridgesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded transnational inclusion and bridge-building project.
• EU-Projekt: Diversity MattersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU project focused on diversity management and inclusion practices.
• EU-Projekt: Digital StrengthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU project focused on digital inclusion and strengthening digital competencies.
• wba (Weiterbildungsakademie Österreich)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Austrian Continuing Education Academy has accredited the Lehrgang Persönliche Zukunftsplanung (9 ECTS). inbildung is an official recognized training provider under wba.
• Gesellschaft für Unterstützte Kommunikation e. V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman/Austrian society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Provides certification standards for UK courses at inbildung.
• BÖP (Berufsverband Österreichischer Psycholog*innen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian Psychological Association recognizes seminars at inbildung as valid continuing education for psychologists.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Caritas Österreich: Austria's largest non-profit social services organization. Operates a directly comparable multi-pillar portfolio spanning disability support, youth and family services, housing/homelessness, employment programs, and social enterprises across all federal states including Styria.
• Jugend am Werk Niederösterreich GmbH: Sister organization operating the same social services model in Lower Austria, providing a near-identical peer for service portfolio, governance structure, and funding relationships.
• Volkshilfe Österreich: Federal association providing family support, housing for the homeless, and social services across Austria with comparable funding mix (AMS, public contracts) and overlapping service lines including Housing First equivalents.
• Lebenshilfe Österreich: National federation specializing in disability services including supported living, supported employment, early intervention, and inclusive education — direct overlap with JAW's Behinderung service pillar.
• pro mente Austria: Austrian mental health social services network providing mobile psychiatric support, counseling, and employment programs for adults with mental illness — directly comparable to JAW's MSB (Mobile Sozialpsychiatrische Betreuung) and Supported Employment offerings.
• Jugend am Werk Salzburg GmbH: Sister organization founded from the Styria entity in 2000, operating the identical model (residential care, employment support, social enterprises) in the Salzburg region. Most directly comparable in service mix, governance, and funding structure.
• SOS Kinderdorf Österreich: Operates residential children and youth care facilities comparable to JAW's sozialpädagogische Wohngemeinschaften and Krisenunterbringung services, with overlapping public funding sources and target population.
• Diakonie Österreich: Protestant-affiliated nationwide social services umbrella organization offering disability, family, youth, and employment services with overlapping geographic presence in Styria and similar public funding sources.

Broad incumbents

• Arbeitersamariterbund Österreich: Multi-service social organization operating nationwide in care, social services, and training programs with comparable target populations (people with disabilities, youth, families) and public funding model.
• Rotes Kreuz Österreich (Austrian Red Cross): Broad incumbent multi-pillar social services and humanitarian organization operating nationwide with comparable public funding relationships and overlapping services in family support, migration/refugee services, and community programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/JAWSteiermark
• Facebookfacebook.com/jawsteiermark
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jugend-am-werk-steiermark-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/jugendamwerksteiermark

Compliance13 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

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 Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH