HELP with Visa Status for Internship/Traineeship (Vienna)

Hi all,

I'm in a predicament that I could use some help/advice with.

I'm signed up to do a 6-month long, no longer, internship/traineeship in Vienna. The Consulate General in the States has said I'm to apply for a "Visa D" which would allow me 6-months maximum in Vienna.

The "Arbeitsmarktservice" in Vienna has told my employer that I can only do 3-months without pay maximum and that my traineeship constitutes as a "volontariat".

Who is right and have any of you who've gone through the process tell me your experience?

Also, another question preparing for plan B... am I able to do 3-months and then subsequently renew my visa for an additional 3-months???

Best,

Nadia