This paper deals with the topic of acquiring and retaining skilled workers, using internationally active companies as examples. Against the backdrop of a prevailing shortage of skilled workers on the Austrian labour market, methods of acquisition and retention are presented and success factors for practical application are described. For various reasons, such as demographic change, declining apprentice numbers and a loss of image for various apprenticeship professions, companies are sometimes unable to meet their demand for skilled workers. This problem is particularly acute for internationally active companies due to an even lower supply of applicants as a result of the special working conditions associated with posting workers to other countries. Reasons for fewer applicants for internationally active companies include international work locations, separation from one's own family, limited opportunities to participate in club activities and the loss of social contacts in one's home country.