Qu'est-ce que Training Vouchers (Chèques-Formation) ?
Definition
Chèques-Formation is a public subsidy system operated by the Walloon Region (via Le Forem) enabling workers employed in the private sector and self-employed individuals to access a wide range of approved professional training programmes at a reduced personal cost. The Region subsidises 70% of the training cost (€5.60 per hour for the individual, who pays €2.40); the employer may also receive support for workforce training.
In practice
Eligible beneficiaries include: employees in private sector companies based in Wallonia; self-employed workers; certain non-profit and public sector employees. The maximum annual allocation is 120 chèques (hours) for individuals and 600 for companies — representing up to €900 in personal training support per year (€2.40 × 120 hours × 3.13... — actually €2.40/cheque × 250 chèques for companies). Eligible training must be approved by the Walloon Government and cover professional skills (language courses, digital skills, management, technical certifications, and much more). Chèques-Formation cannot be used for initial compulsory education, leisure activities, or internal company training. Orders are placed online through the FOREM platform. Similar mechanisms exist in Flanders (KMO-portefeuille subsidising 30–40% of training costs for SMEs) and Brussels (chèques-entreprises and specific training subsidies via Bruxelles Formation).
Key takeaway
Walloon training vouchers are chronically underutilised — both individuals and SMEs leave significant subsidised training capacity unused each year by failing to apply or not knowing the system exists.
Définitions connexes
Continuing Professional Development
All formal and informal learning activities undertaken throughout a career to maintain, develop and expand professional competencies.
Upskilling
Process of developing and deepening skills in an existing professional domain, to adapt to technological evolution or access higher-level responsibilities.
FOREM
The public employment and training service of Wallonia, supporting job seekers and employers in the Walloon Region.
Professional Certification
Formal credential awarded by a recognised authority attesting that an individual has demonstrated a defined level of knowledge or skill in a specific domain.