Graz Karlau Prison
The road back to civilian life

The Graz Karlau correctional institution is not just about enforcing prison sentences, but also about reintegrating inmates into society. For more than 70 years, the Graz Karlau prison has offered nine apprenticeships for inmates, including plumbing and building services engineering. The certificates for the successful completion of the apprenticeship as a plumbing and building services engineer were recently awarded. HERZ supports this educational program with its products in the field of building services engineering.

The former hunting lodge of Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria (1540-1590) has been used as a prison for over 200 years. Over the years, it has been observed that the recidivism rate among inmates who have completed an apprenticeship during their detention is significantly lower than among other inmates. ‘The training not only provides the inmates with practical knowledge, but also with values such as responsibility, team spirit and reliability, which prepare them for a new life,’ explains Major Guido Riepl, economic manager at Graz-Karlau Prison.

A step into the future

The apprenticeship program at Graz Karlau prison is a successful concept that has an impact far beyond the prison walls. The inmates have the opportunity to acquire solid vocational skills that will help them lead a self-determined life and reintegrate into society after their release. At the same time, this commitment helps alleviate the severe shortage of skilled workers in the trades sector.

A degree as a new start

For the graduates of an apprenticeship in the Graz Karlau prison, receiving a training certificate is more than just a piece of paper – it is proof of their achievement, their progress and a chance for a fresh start. The certificates were recently handed over. Among those present were, among others, the apprenticeship trainer and vocational school director of LBS Graz4 Ing. Gerhard Winkelbauer, prison director Brigadier Gerhard Derler, head of finance at the Graz Karlau prison Major Guido Riepl, school quality manager for vocational schools in Styria Mag. Niklas Lichtenegger and the owner of the HERZ Group Gerhard Glinzerer.

‘Every single apprenticeship completion is a success on the path to a better future – for the graduate as well as for society as a whole. In today's world, having a trade is essential to succeed in society. We support the inmates in developing skills that are urgently needed not only by them but also by us in the labour market. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the reintegration of inmates with our products and commitment,’ says Gerhard Glinzerer.