Record number of job vacancies in Flanders

Flanders' employment and training agency, VDAB, reports that there were more job vacancies in 2019 than in any other year in the organisation’s history. Over the course of the year, the agency listed 292,233 jobs.

That figure is 2% higher than in 2018, good for a record year. Compared to a decade ago, job listings at the agency have increased by about one-third.

While this bodes well for Flanders’ economy – the employment rate is also the highest it’s ever been – it’s also a sign that employers are quicker to list vacancies at VDAB.

“When combined with the low unemployment rate, we see that there is a structural shortage on the labour market in Flanders,” said labour minister Hilde Crevits. “We are going to need all the talent we’ve got in the coming years.”

The biggest increase in available jobs were those that require a college or university diploma, with an increase of 6.5% compared to 2018. Open jobs for lesser-skilled workers were up by only .4%.

The care sector was one of the industries that saw the greatest increase in job vacancies. This includes health-care workers but also social workers and administrative staff for social services. Flanders’ welfare agency, OCMW, for instance, lists many vacancies across the region.

There are also jobs available in public services, particularly for teachers and customs workers. “There will also be many jobs available in the near future for care of the elderly,” Crevits pointed out. “It’s crucial to get as many people as we can into higher education as well as continuing education so they can not only find the right job, but also keep it. VDAB will play a key role in this effort.”

Photo: Customs services in Flemish ports are looking for more staff ©Courtesy Vlaanderen.be