Additional measures to guide Ukrainian refugees towards training or a job

Flanders is taking extra measures to help Ukrainian refugees find a training course or a job. Newly appointed minister of Employment Jo Brouns says the government will provide, among other things, 2.000 Dutch language training trajectories. "A good knowledge of Dutch ensures a good starting position on the labour market", says the CD&V (christian democrats) minister. In order to reduce the risk of social exploitation and illegal employment, the Flemish Social Inspectorate will be reinforced by 10 inspectors.

In addition to housing and possible psychological support, Flanders also wants to provide Ukrainian refugees with quick assistance in finding a job for those who are willing and able to work. Flemish employment agency VDAB will assess who can start work immediately and who, for example, needs language training or additional professional training. Former minister of Employment Hilde Crevits announced earlier that VDAB would recruit 47 extra mediators for this purpose.

Despite six out of ten Ukranian refugees having a higher education background, only 30 percent can speak English.

Employers can make their vacancies for refugees known via the #werkplekvrij ("workplace free", ed.) action. For instance, 590 companies are currently looking for more than 4.500 people via #werkplekvrij. In the meantime 1.475 Ukrainian refugees have registered with VDAB, 1.137 of whom are women and 338 men. Despite six out of ten Ukranian refugees having a higher education background, only 30 percent can speak English. "This is why I am providing 2.000 Dutch training trajectories. A good knowledge of Dutch ensures a good starting position on the labour market", says Brouns.

The Employment minister also earmarked 1 million euros to strengthen the Flemish social inspectorate. The inspectorate will be joined by 10 inspectors who will help to track down possible abuses and illegal employment. In addition, sectors will be able to appoint a temporary coordinator "who will provide support in the quick detection of, among other things, suitable vacancies and workplace learning".

(BRV)

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According to Flemish minister of Employment Jo Brouns, "a good knowledge of Dutch ensures a good starting position on the labour market". © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK