Most Flemish school leavers quickly find work, report shows

Flemish school leavers continue to transition swiftly into the labour market. Only 7 per cent are still seeking work a year after finishing school in 2023, according to the latest report from the Flemish Employment Service (VDAB). This is an improvement compared to over 12 per cent a decade ago.

The job prospects of school leavers varied sharply depending on qualifications. Graduates with a secondary school diploma showed an 8 per cent unemployment rate after one year. That figure dropped to just 3 per cent for those with a university or college degree. In stark contrast, 23 per cent of early school leavers without a qualification were still unemployed.

Those who trained in education, healthcare, or STEM fields had the strongest outcomes. Only 1 per cent of teaching graduates and 3 per cent of healthcare graduates were still jobseeking after a year. For those with STEM profiles like IT or construction, just 5 per cent were registered as jobseekers.

“It’s important that young people make conscious study choices”

“It’s important that young people make conscious study choices”, said VDAB researcher Lindsey Marin. “Choosing with your heart increases the chances of completing a course, but young people should also consider the labour market opportunities of their studies. Ideally, the decision is made with both heart and head.”

The VDAB cautioned that the figures don’t reflect the entire population. Some young people are not registered as jobseekers, including those taking a gap year, dealing with illness, or falling into the so-called NEET category (not in education, employment or training). In 2024, 7.2 per cent of Flemish 15- to 29-year-olds fell into this group.

Still, the VDAB says the long-term trend is clear. “The share of school leavers still seeking work a year later has dropped from over 12 per cent to under 7 per cent in ten years”, the agency noted.

^{#FlandersNewsService | A nurse and a patient in the hospital © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}