High-Demand Jobs Emerge in Belgium
Belgium’s labor market is seeing a shift, with some jobs vanishing from shortage lists while new ones appear, signaling evolving needs for skilled workers.
Brussels Focuses on Key Shortages
In Brussels, Actiris is concentrating on professions with shortages, including bakers, butchers, and maintenance agents for parks and gardens. Insurance managers, transport drivers, physiotherapists, and database administrators are also in demand. To encourage training in these areas, Actiris offers unemployment benefit exemptions valid until the federal unemployment reform planned for January 1, 2026.
Wallonia Identifies Critical Roles
The Forem in Wallonia has released its list of 146 critical functions and trades facing shortages. While 42 functions, such as data scientists and industrial painters, have been removed, 26 new trades have been added. These include production operators in the food industry, park maintenance staff, agricultural aids, wood manufacturing technicians, storekeepers, and car mechanics.
Sector Representation
The construction, industry, health, and social action sectors account for 58% of the professions on Forem’s list. A recent study by ManpowerGroup found that 69% of employers globally are struggling to fill positions, the highest in 17 years (ManpowerGroup 2023).
