The shortage of apprentices in Austria is a multi-faceted problem; according to the Austrian Economic Chamber, over 14,000 apprenticeship positions cannot be filled as of 2023. This makes it all the more important to create a positive and supportive working environment. However, this is not a given for prospective apprentices. In 2016, the Rat auf Draht apprentice survey found that 7.7% of apprentices had already been affected by bullying. The Ministry of Social Affairs’ Apprentice Health Report reports that almost 19% of female apprentices and 11% of male apprentices have been victims of bullying in the digital space at least once in the last few months. Bullying thus refers to a systematic and hostile process that is also defined by the fact that it lasts over a longer period of time. The effects of bullying must be seen as a massive problem that requires attention, as the consequences for those affected are an impairment of performance – often associated with a loss of motivation, mistrust, nervousness, insecurity and social withdrawal. There is often talk of psychological and/or psychosomatic secondary illnesses, which in the worst case can lead to job loss or even occupational disability. Existing programs generally have a number of weaknesses, such as the difficulty of integrating them into everyday working life, the failure to address relevant aspects and the lack of attractiveness of the offers. The “Fair Play” innovation network, which already brings together initial companies and a training centre involved in apprenticeship training with management consultancy, (game) design, digital learning, gender and diversity and knowledge communication in order to prevent bullying, represents a significant leap forward in innovation.