Flemish employment agency helps record number of prisoners find work opportunities

Last year, Flanders' public employment agency supported a record 954 prisoners in their efforts to find work opportunities, with specific programmes that include targeted training. This was reported by De Zondag, based on figures requested by Flemish MP Ine Tombeur from Employment minister Zuhal Demir.

The number of programmes to guide prisoners into work has been increasing for several years. In 2024, VDAB began 926 programmes, and 916 in 2023.

“Work is a powerful tool to prevent ex-prisoners from reoffending,” said Tombeur. “The VDAB's detention mediators screen talent within the prison walls, offer targeted training and proactively seek matches with employers.”

"Work is a powerful tool to prevent ex-prisoners from reoffending"

The training courses address the shortages in the Belgian economy. Bottleneck professions such as scaffolder, roofer and lorry driver were the most popular choices last year.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © BELGA PHOTO KRISTOF VAN ACCOM}

Related news

VDAB to offer personalised support to all people losing their benefits

The VDAB, Flanders’ public employment service, is set to provide personalized guidance to all individuals who lose their unemployment benefits...

belganewsagency.eu

Returns of illegal migrant prisoners rise by a quarter

The number of prisoners without legal residence who are being returned to their home countries has risen by 25 per cent, reaching its highest...

belganewsagency.eu