Werkweek 2026: Over 243,000 Job Opportunities to Discover in Flanders
Actiris, Forem, and VDAB join forces to facilitate interregional mobility for job seekers from Brussels and Wallonia to Flanders.
By Nadia Delvaux
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a job fair in Brussels with job seekers in front of a screen displaying offers.
From October 12 to 16, Werkweek highlights over 243,000 job openings in Flanders, with dedicated activities in Brussels to encourage interregional mobility.
From October 12 to 16, Forem, VDAB, and Actiris are joining forces for Werkweek, an initiative aimed at promoting employment in Flanders. Beyond the job offers disseminated on the Forem and Actiris websites, VDAB currently lists 243,000 job openings, encouraging job seekers from Wallonia and Brussels to consider opportunities beyond their region. This event marks the year's highlight for interregional mobility.
During this week, over 80 activities will be organized across the country to help participants broaden their professional horizons and better understand the specifics of regional labor markets. Advisors from Forem, Actiris, and VDAB will be available to assist job seekers with key aspects such as opportunities in Flanders, active job search methods, improving Dutch language proficiency, drafting CVs and cover letters in Dutch, preparing for interviews, and support for professional mobility projects. Meetings with Flemish employers will also be possible during Jobdays organized in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of Actiris, Forem, and VDAB to facilitate professional pathways and improve the match between employer needs and available skills in the Belgian labor market. Mobility between Wallonia, Brussels, and Flanders is already a reality for nearly 49,000 Walloons and 57,500 Brussels residents working in Flanders. Flanders faces persistent recruitment challenges, with 227 shortage occupations, particularly in the care, construction, industry, and transport sectors.
In Brussels, Actiris will host a series of activities throughout the week focused on interregional mobility and discovering professional opportunities in Flanders. Participants can learn about the Flemish job market, enhance their Dutch language skills, prepare applications, and meet employers. Information sessions will also cover in-demand jobs, growing sectors, and support programs offered by Actiris and its partners.
On October 15, Actiris will organize a Jobday in Brussels dedicated to employment in Flanders, allowing job seekers to directly meet companies seeking new talent.
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"I congratulate Actiris, VDAB, and Forem for the immense work already accomplished in stimulating job seeker mobility between the Regions; this collaboration between employment services is essential. However, the potential remains significant: Flanders offers real and interesting opportunities for Brussels job seekers nearby. I want to further enhance interregional mobility towards Flanders. Dutch language proficiency remains the main obstacle. For this, we must equip our job seekers, especially our young people, with the necessary skills. We are focusing more on Dutch language skills and specific initiatives between Actiris and VDAB to strengthen interregional mobility."
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"When companies recruit just a few kilometers from our homes, regional borders cannot become employment borders. Nearly 49,000 Walloons already work in Flanders, an increase of 9% in one year, but recruitment needs remain high in many occupations among our Flemish neighbors. We must amplify this dynamic. With Forem, VDAB, and Actiris, we are giving job seekers concrete tools to discover in-demand jobs, meet employers, and overcome barriers related to language or applications. The objective is simple: to allow everyone to seize all available opportunities."
The full agenda and registration details are available on actiris.be (agenda section), agenda.leforem.be (keyword: Werkweek), and vdab.be.
