Qu'est-ce que VDAB ?
Definition
VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding) is the public employment and vocational training service of the Flemish Community and Region in Belgium. It is responsible for labour market mediation, professional training, competency development, and socio-professional integration in Flanders.
In practice
VDAB is widely recognised as one of the most digitally advanced public employment services in Europe. Its platform (vdab.be) offers extensive online services: a comprehensive job and training database; digital career guidance tools including competency assessments and the "Mijn Loopbaan" (My Career) personal dashboard; online and in-person training courses; apprenticeship coordination; and matching algorithms connecting job seekers with opportunities. For employers, VDAB provides free vacancy posting with active candidate matching, subsidy administration (IBO — Individual Professional Training, Activa.Brussel for Brussels employers), and sector-specific partnership programmes. VDAB publishes the definitive list of "knelpuntberoepen" (bottleneck occupations) — roles with structural candidate shortages in Flanders — an essential reference for workforce planning. The Flemish unemployment rate (around 3%) makes VDAB's role increasingly focused on quality career transitions and upskilling rather than traditional job placement.
Key takeaway
VDAB is a strategic partner for Flemish employers, not just a job board — its training subsidies, skills assessments and sector intelligence go far beyond basic vacancy publication.
Définitions connexes
FOREM
The public employment and training service of Wallonia, supporting job seekers and employers in the Walloon Region.
Actiris
The public employment service of the Brussels-Capital Region, supporting job seekers and employers in the 19 Brussels municipalities.
ONEM — National Employment Office
Belgian federal agency responsible for managing and paying unemployment benefits, controlling availability of benefit recipients, and overseeing certain employment support measures.
Training Vouchers (Chèques-Formation)
Walloon public subsidy system enabling workers and self-employed individuals to access approved training at 30% of the real cost, with the region covering 70%.