“I’ve found my path today”—with these words, one participant summed up what made the first speed-dating event for nursing professionals in the Burgenlandkreis special: real opportunities in just five minutes.
As part of the Impuls job fair for healthcare and nursing professions, which took place on February 25, 2026, at the Kulturhaus Weißenfels, the Burgenlandkreis Integration Network ventured into an innovative experiment—and hit the mark. Eight companies and ten motivated applicants came together at the first speed-dating event for nursing professionals. The concept: In short but intensive five-minute rounds, both sides introduced themselves, discussed open positions, and made initial connections.
Cross-organizational cooperation as a recipe for success
What makes this format special is the exemplary collaboration among various stakeholders: the Interreg project Milestone, the SEWIG Economic Development Agency, the Employment Agency, the Job Center, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Migration Agency’s Integration Division, and the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt all worked together as a team. This cross-organizational cooperation made it possible to optimally prepare both companies and job seekers—a specially developed interview guide ensured that every minute counted.
Diversity Meets Demand
The response was overwhelmingly positive: Companies particularly appreciated the diversity of the participants—from those interested in apprenticeships to job seekers and internship applicants, everyone was represented. This range of motivations and qualifications precisely reflects what the healthcare sector in the Burgenlandkreis needs: people with diverse backgrounds and goals, all of whom can contribute to securing a skilled workforce.
Added value for the region
The speed-dating format proves that innovative approaches to recruitment work. Instead of traditional application processes, this direct exchange facilitates authentic encounters and significantly shortens decision-making processes. For the Burgenlandkreis, this is a key component in securing a skilled workforce in nursing—a sector where qualified workers are urgently needed.
The successful pilot project has set new standards: the proven concept is ready for further implementation. And one thing is certain—this was not the last speed dating event in the Burgenland district. The future of skilled workforce recruitment has only just begun.
