Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Belgium

As per OCED Better Life Index, Belgium ranks among the top 10 best countries with a good work-life balance. And, because of good working conditions, wage rate, and quality of living, job seekers all across the globe see Belgium as an ideal working destination. 

However, with changing market dynamics, the job market in Belgium is also expecting a major shift and skill shortage. As per the European Labour Authority, Belgium has a shortage of skilled laborers in many trades. This shortage accounts for the 6th highest in the entire Europe. 

What Skills are In-demand in Belgium?

Belgium’s corporate sector is diverse and dynamic, with key industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, logistics, and technology. The country’s strategic location in Europe makes it a hub for international trade and collaboration, further fueling the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce. 

However, Belgium faces significant skill shortages across various sectors, with approximately 76% of Belgian employers reporting difficulties in finding suitable candidates. The most acute shortages are in the IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, and education sectors, driven by rapid technological advancements, demographic changes, and evolving labor market needs.

In this article, let’s talk about these in-demand skills in detail.

1. Software Development Skills

Belgium’s software development market is booming and there is high demand for developers in various technologies.

According to MyNextCompany, there is a shortage of developers in key areas like Java, .NET and Python. Plus, there are 16,000 more job postings for developers in Belgium in the last year.

The market is competitive and companies are offering attractive packages to poach top talent, making software development one of the most in-demand skills in Belgium.

Software Development Skills

Software Development

Learn how to protect digital assets and maintain seamless operations through robust measures. Gain the ability to identify, mitigate, and prevent digital threats, ensuring the security of critical data and infrastructure.

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Other Courses

• Perl Scripting
• Julia Programming

Skills You Will Build

Tackling complex coding challenges,and applying effective problem-solving methodologies

2. Construction Engineering Skills

The report of FIEC on the labor shortage in the construction industry mentions a shortage of construction engineers, with demand exceeding supply by 20% for Belgium and other EU Member States.

The demand for skilled construction engineers has surged, driven by initiatives like the EU Green Deal and National Recovery and Resilience Plans, which are expected to create up to 2.5 million additional jobs by 2030.

However, the industry is struggling to meet this demand due to a lack of skilled professionals.

3. Database Administration Skills

Belgium is experiencing a critical shortage of engineers. According to The Brussels Times, Belgian companies and industries require more than 2,000 engineers each year, but only about 1,500 graduates enter the workforce annually. This shortage significantly challenges the country’s economic growth and innovation capacity. The demand for engineers spans various fields, including IT, AI, and database administration.

And according to Cushman and Wakefield the investment in data centers is growing exponentially. This is one of the reasons why database administration companies are struggling to find qualified people to manage and optimize big data systems.

This is impacting industries that are data heavy, so database administration is one of the most in demand roles in Belgium.

Database Administration Skills

Database Training

Upskill your teams to efficiently manage complex database challenges and implement best practices for your organization.

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Other Courses

• RavenDB
• InfluxDB
• Big Data Greenplum DBA

Skills You Will Build

Tackle complex database challenges and apply effective methodologies to enhance your organization’s success.

4. Nursing Skills

According to HealthyBelgium, there is a big shortage of skilled nurses in the country, made worse by an aging workforce and increasing healthcare needs. 32% of all nurses are 50 or older so the looming retirements are a big challenge.

Despite a relatively high number of nursing graduates, the number of new professionals is not enough to meet the growing needs. They are also relying on foreign trained nurses who are 4.1% of the workforce.

Projections show 4.6% growth in full time equivalent nurses by 2028 so Belgium needs to invest strategically in nursing education and working conditions to attract and retain talent in this key sector.

5. Human Resources Management Skills

Human resources management is a key function in Belgian companies and the demand is growing for skilled professionals.

According to ManpowerGroup Belgium needs more workforce in trades such as Engineers and technicians (28%), IT/Data positions (27%) and logistics positions (22%). 20% of HR vacancies are unfilled.

Human Resources Management Skills

Human Resources Management

Upskill your teams to effectively manage complex HR challenges and implement best practices for your organization.

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Other Courses

• HR Risk Management
• HR Audit
• Employee Retention

Skills You Will Build

Tackle complex HR challenges and apply effective methodologies to enhance your organization’s success.

6. Project Management

Belgium has a big problem with project management skills which is the main cause of project failures. Despite economic pressure and cost cutting, only 7% of respondents in a PwC survey said lack of financing was the top issue. But the real problem lies in the basics of project management: unclear scope, poor change management and bad communication. 

This applies to all roles in the company, from project managers to executive teams. For project managers in Belgium, experience and certifications (PRINCE2 or PMP) are key. Plus multiple languages (Dutch, French, and English) and knowledge of project management tools.The struggle to find the right resources only makes the problem worse, so better project management training and practices are needed to ensure project delivery.

Project Management Skills

Agile Project Management

Discover how to achieve goals while balancing budget, timeline, and scope constraints. This course covers modules on initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects, as well as managing resources, evaluating and mitigating risks, and maintaining quality standards.

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Other Courses

• Agile Business Analysis
• Agile Estimation

Skills You Will Build

Agile Leadership, Team collaboration, Adaptability

7. Accounting Skills

According to the insights of IBS World, the market size of the Accounting & Auditing industry in Belgium is €5.8 billion in 2024. There are 13,155 businesses in this industry, which has experienced a decline at a CAGR of 0.4% between 2019 and 2024. 

However, over the next five years, the Accounting & Auditing industry in Belgium is expected to grow.

Accounting Skills

Accounting

Learn finance terms and how to help your organization make financial decisions.

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Other Courses

• Tax Crime and Fraud Investigation
• Digital Transformation Of Tax Administration

Skills You Will Build

Problem solving, Data driven-decision making.

8. Teaching Skills

Belgium has a big teacher shortage, especially in STEM and bilingual education. The European Commission’s Education and Training. Monitor says there’s a 15% gap between available teaching jobs and qualified candidates.

According to the report, in 2022-23 Flemish secondary schools had the most vacancies for math, language and technical teachers. This shortage is only growing as the student population is increasing, so they need more teachers.

9. Applications Programming Skills

Application programming is another key skill in Belgium’s tech industry. Nucamp says demand for applications programmers has grown 12% in the last few years due to the need for new software solutions. Plus, more than 60% Belgian companies actively seek qualified programmers for their business. 

This is a key role for companies that want to stay ahead in the digital economy and it’s one of the top jobs for work visas, too.

Applications Programming Skills

Mobile App Development

Explore how Mobile App Development training courses contribute to team success. These courses empower teams to design and build innovative apps that captivate users, strengthen brand visibility, and boost business growth through engaging digital experiences.

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Other Courses

• Appian Developer
• Developing Applications with Google Cloud Platform

Skills You Will Build

Designing and creating user-friendly apps, enhancing brand presence, and driving business growth.

10. Cybersecurity Skills

Cybersecurity is a booming industry in Belgium, driven by cyber threats and the need to protect sensitive data. Research says the cybersecurity job market in Belgium will grow in 2024. However, in the same research, experts said there’s a shortage of almost 10,000 professionals in the sector.

Especially for threat detection, incident response and security architecture. Companies are looking for talent to deal with the changing security landscape and to be secure against cyber attacks.

Cybersecurity Skills

Cybersecurity

Discover how to safeguard digital assets and ensure smooth operations with strong protective measures. Acquire the skills to recognize, address, and prevent digital threats, securing crucial data and infrastructure.

(5) | 500+ Members Trained | Instructed-led

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Other Courses

• Thycotic Secret Server
• Check Point - Security Administration

Skills You Will Build

Network security, Cyber threat detection

How to Improve Your Skills for Belgium’s Job Market

For all those who want to learn a new skill or enter into new jobs, choosing vocational training institutes can be a good option. Here, you can enroll to learn a specific trade for 6-12 months. The institutes also provide you with traineeships so that you can get relevant experience in your trade. You can find a number of courses ranging from construction to computer science. 

Furthermore, you get a certificate of completion, which can increase your chances of getting hired. If a student wants to enroll in a Dutch-speaking training course, they can contact. Here are some best institutions for skill development in Belgium: 

• Le Forem - Le Forem is the Public Service for Employment and Vocational Training in Wallonia, Belgium. It assists jobseekers with job searches and employers with recruitment, training, and financial needs. Le Forem offers services like language assessment, skills training, and online job search tools.
• Bruxelles Formation - Bruxelles Formation is the French-speaking public vocational training service in Brussels. They focus on qualifications, skill development, and career changes for Brussels residents.
• Actiris - Actiris is the Brussels Employment Office, serving as the main actor and solution provider for employment in the Brussels-Capital Region.  Actiris offers services such as job search assistance, training, and information about employment aids.
• VDAB - The VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding) is the public employment service of Flanders, Belgium. Its official language is Dutch. VDAB aims to enhance transparency and dynamism in the labor market. They provide employment services, training, and career guidance to job seekers and workers.

Conclusion

The job market in Belgium is evolving rapidly, driven by emerging industries and technological advancements. To remain competitive and seize new opportunities; continuous upskilling is essential. Identifying the right trade and committing to mastering it is crucial. Therefore, look for reputable institutes that provide the training needed to stay ahead.

Additionally, investing in Corporate training enhances your efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. Edstellar, a leading corporate training company in Belgium, simplifies training management and helps organizations unlock the potential of their employees. Embrace the changes and invest in your growth; your future self will thank you for it!