Flemish employment agency VDAB helps record number prisoners find work opportunities

Last year, Flanders' public employment agency VDAB supported a record number of 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 Flemish employment minister Zuhal Demir.

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

“Work is a powerful tool to prevent ex-prisoners from reoffending,” emphasised Flemish MP Ine 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}

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