- 2021Approved/Agreed
- 2022Implementation
- 2023Implementation
- 2024Implementation
Background
The Walloon Government's Regional Policy Declaration 2019-24 aimed to respond to a three-pronged challenge for the Region (the economic transition and social and environmental challenges), with priorities identified particularly in relation to vocational education and training (VET) as well as employment.
The implementation of this Declaration's priorities was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought health, social and economic upheaval.
Within this context, in 2020 the Walloon Government launched a major consultation procedure, Get Up Wallonia (involving citizens, experts, stakeholders on the ground, institutional stakeholders, social partners) to mobilise collective intelligence and put forward proposals to build the post-COVID Wallonia of tomorrow. A report was drawn up summarising the proposals put forward around five strategic priorities, which the Walloon Government put into action in 2021 via projects and programmes, resulting in the Wallonia Recovery Plan. Many projects and programmes relate to VET.
In order to ensure coherence and complementarity between recovery policies, the Walloon Government has chosen to pool the measures of the following three action programmes:
- Get Up Wallonia,
- Regional Policy Declaration 2019-24,
- Recovery and resilience facility set up by the EU.
Following the serious floods that hit Wallonia in July 2021, the Walloon Government decided to mobilise part of the funds provided for in the recovery plan to rebuild the affected areas, creating jobs through the provision of additional training in a sector suffering from a labour shortage. Consequently, there is now a sixth strategic priority: supporting the rebuilding and resilience of disaster-affected areas.
Objectives
The overall objective of the Wallonia Recovery Plan is to make Wallonia a Region resolutely focused on prosperity shared across the region, businesses and citizens, and which integrates the challenges of intergenerational fairness. The pooling of the action plans aims to ensure coherence to maximise the positive outcomes for Wallonia.
Strategic objectives have also been put in place with regard to the major priorities of the Walloon Recovery Plan for VET and employment:
- improve initial training, review the training landscape and improve facilities;
- invest in local areas, in particular to revitalise businesses through training initiatives;
- develop employment;
- rebuild a quality, functional, healthy, attractive and sustainable living environment involving initiatives to address the labour shortage in the construction sector.
Description
The Wallonia Recovery Plan, adopted in October 2021, includes more than 300 projects and programmes, structured around six strategic priorities:
- investing in youth and Walloon talent (priority 1)
- ensuring environmental sustainability (priority 2)
- boosting economic development (priority 3)
- supporting well-being, solidarity and social inclusion (priority 4)
- guaranteeing innovative and participative governance (priority 5)
- supporting the rebuilding and resilience of disaster-affected areas (priority 6).
In VET, as well as in employment, the major programmes and projects are integrated into priorities 1, 3 and 4:
- reforming dual education;
- lifelong careers guidance;
- strengthening collaboration between training providers (e.g. with regard to training facilities);
- involving businesses;
- bonuses for learners in the construction, electrical engineering and wood sectors;
- implementation of skills-enhancement programmes;
- support for those isolated from the labour market.
The projects and programmes identified and budgeted for in the Wallonia Recovery Plan will not start at the same time and so will not be operational at the same level or implemented at the same speed in the coming years.
Monitoring for the Wallonia Recovery Plan takes a results-oriented approach, with result indicators for each project. The monitoring bodies are as follows:
- steering committee in charge of the overall monitoring of the plan;
- delivery unit (DU) in charge of...
The Wallonia Recovery Plan, adopted in October 2021, includes more than 300 projects and programmes, structured around six strategic priorities:
- investing in youth and Walloon talent (priority 1)
- ensuring environmental sustainability (priority 2)
- boosting economic development (priority 3)
- supporting well-being, solidarity and social inclusion (priority 4)
- guaranteeing innovative and participative governance (priority 5)
- supporting the rebuilding and resilience of disaster-affected areas (priority 6).
In VET, as well as in employment, the major programmes and projects are integrated into priorities 1, 3 and 4:
- reforming dual education;
- lifelong careers guidance;
- strengthening collaboration between training providers (e.g. with regard to training facilities);
- involving businesses;
- bonuses for learners in the construction, electrical engineering and wood sectors;
- implementation of skills-enhancement programmes;
- support for those isolated from the labour market.
The projects and programmes identified and budgeted for in the Wallonia Recovery Plan will not start at the same time and so will not be operational at the same level or implemented at the same speed in the coming years.
Monitoring for the Wallonia Recovery Plan takes a results-oriented approach, with result indicators for each project. The monitoring bodies are as follows:
- steering committee in charge of the overall monitoring of the plan;
- delivery unit (DU) in charge of monitoring each strategic priority of the plan;
- monitoring committee for each strategic objective of the plan to ensure that each one is achieved;
- project manager for each project, who regularly reports back to a monitoring unit, on the project's progress via a shared project management tool.
A financial information unit and a support unit will monitor the budget.
An assessment programme for the Wallonia Recovery Plan has been drawn up and will be developed by the Walloon Institute for Evaluation, Forecasting and Statistics (Institut Wallon de l'Évaluation, de la Prospective et de la Statistique, IWEPS). This programme is based on three main components:
- basic diagnosis of the social, economic and environmental situation in Wallonia;
- the med assessment analyses;
- ex-ante assessment of public investment.
In 2021, the Recovery Plan for Wallonia was approved by the Walloon Government with a total budget of EUR 7 billion.
On 29 March 2022, aware of the desire of the social and environmental partners to be involved in the co-construction of the Recovery Plan projects, the Walloon Government concluded an agreement with them on 42 projects identified as priorities by the social and environmental partners. This agreement includes a Prioritised Actions Programme (PAP n°4) entitled 'Training' (Former) and specifically dedicated to vocational training. Projects developed under PAP No. 1 'Breaking out of precariousness' (Sortir de la précarité) can also be included in this update in view of their impact on the training aspect.
These include:
- reforming dual education for young people aged 15 to 25 (P1; prioritised): in June 2022, launch of a study by the various levels of government involved in VET in French-speaking part of Belgium, to identify the levers for developing dual education, and to define and implement avenues for improvement;
- developing the training offer in the Competence Centres for education (P2; prioritised). In 2022, 3791 young people were trained in the Competence Centres, for a total of 47239 hours, and 8519 benefited from awareness-raising and information activities;
- deploying digital pedagogy in dual education (P4; not prioritised): via the deployment of a digital learning platform at IFAPME which complements face-to-face courses to allow more flexibility in training paths and the provision of pedagogical and didactic resources for learners and trainers;
- supporting the reinforcement of entrepreneurial skills of candidates for business creation (P5, not prioritised): via the je monte ma boîte scheme to develop awareness, information, guidance and support and financing actions for IFAPME's candidate entrepreneurs by Wallonie Entreprendre;
- providing financial incentives for vocational training in shortage trades (P12; prioritised). In 2022, the hourly allowance granted in the context of training was doubled. Reflection on the incentives to be implemented continues, particularly within the Sectoral Strategic Committees, which have been strengthened in the context of the Recovery Plan. In addition, the incentives granted in the construction sector will be evaluated;
- promote job-creating trades, sectors and skills, including STEAM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and digital technology (P13, prioritised). Following a call for projects launched last July 2022 by the SPW, seven projects led by public or private providers in the fields of training, guidance, employment and promotion of professions have been designated to promote these professions, sectors and skills in Wallonia and to encourage vocations, particularly among girls. The objective of this call is to mobilise the players in the field, to promote professions in shortage and critical functions, but also to propose partnerships to amplify existing promotion actions and develop new tools;
- deploying the lifelong guidance system (P15; not prioritised): in May 2022, signature by the French-speaking Ministers involved in the works of the Charter for the 'Lifelong Guidance' system, articulated by the 3 Walloon Cités des Métiers and 12 Carrefours des Métiers; a multi-partner system bringing together players in the fields of guidance, training, integration to the labour market and employment;
- implementing partnerships aimed at increasing the skills of people who are far from employment (P19; not prioritised): in May 2022, launch of a call for projects aimed at developing a partnership dynamic between training providers with a view to widely developing skills enhancement training paths in Wallonia (organisation of concomitant and/or consecutive training courses between several providers);
- reforming training aids for workers (P26; prioritised). The reflections carried out in 2021/22 have led to guidelines which will be put into operation during 2023;
- improving the digital inclusion of all Walloons by reducing the digital divide [P230; prioritised - axis 1 'Breaking out of precariousness' (Sortir de la précarité)]. In 2022 and 2023, actions to support the identification of digital inclusion pathways, the deployment of a training programme in basic digital skills to promote the socio-professional integration of vulnerable groups, and the development of the skills of digital carers are being implemented;
- reconstructing (P315; not prioritised): implementation of financial aid for learners in vocational training in the construction sector; a sector suffering from a significant labour shortage, reinforced following the major construction sites developed after the floods in July 2021 in Wallonia.
The programmes developed by Le Forem and the Competence Centres within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan all concern the construction and equipment of training centres (eco-centre in Belgrade, eco-technology centre in Jemappes, digital factories throughout the territory, etc.).
Update on Recovery plan projects:
- Reforming dual education for young people aged 15 to 25 (P1; prioritised): on 9th February 2023, the comprehensive report on the current state of dual education was acknowledged by the governments and councils of the four French-speaking entities [Brussels Region, Walloon Region, Wallonia-Brussels Federation (French Community), Council: French Community Commission (COCOF)]. This acknowledgment includes initial methodological guidelines for future work within each government and among the entities, aimed at identifying short-term reforms - some of which are already underway - and medium to long-term reforms. The complete report was subsequently shared with social partners. On 20th July 2023, the Walloon Government decided to extend its collaboration with the non-profit organisation Agir Pour l'Enseignement (Act for Education, APE) until 31st December 2024. The objective is to develop scenario proposals based on the findings to create one or more visions for reform. A monitoring committee comprising representatives from the cabinets, public employment service, and CESE Wallonia will be established to consult on and inform decisions;
- Supporting the reinforcement of entrepreneurial skills for business creation candidates (P5; not prioritised): the agreement with Wallonie Entreprendre has been finalised and was signed on 15 November 2023. A monitoring committee made up of the two co-signatory organisations will oversee the implementation of its objectives and collaboration areas;
- Promoting job-creating trades, sectors, and skills, including STEAM and digital technology (P13; prioritised): in 2023, a multi-partner project call was launched, selecting 24 initiatives aimed at promoting in-demand jobs and raising awareness of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and digital skills;
- Implementing partnerships to enhance skills for individuals far from employment (P19; not prioritised): between 1st November 2022, and 30th April 2023, the first project call to support skill development for under-represented groups resulted in the implementation of 46 multi-partner projects, with a total budget of EUR 2 003 437. This was based on 72 applications received. The entire process was coordinated by SPW Emploi Formation;
- Reconstructing (P315; not prioritised): in 2023, IFAPME issued 1 694 grants to learners enrolled in construction trades training. Regarding the Drive Passport admission, 452 vouchers were issued, with 376 of them utilised for theoretical or practical driving permits.
Update on Recovery plan projects:
- Reforming dual education for young people aged 15 to 25 (P1; prioritised): the non-profit organisation APE has conducted work in several phases. The first phase involved consulting all stakeholders within the ecosystem, including social and environmental partners. Since the start of the project, the intergovernmental steering committee has convened 12 times. A proposal for macro-scenarios by theme has been identified, and an initial investigation of these scenarios has been conducted. The report is currently being drafted. The assessment report and priority action plan were submitted to social partners before being presented for approval to the Walloon Government at the beginning of February 2024;
- Supporting the reinforcement of entrepreneurial skills for business creation candidates (P5; not prioritised): the first monitoring committee for the collaboration between IFAPME and Wallonie Entreprendre took place on 13 March 2024. Ongoing contacts are being made to implement various partnerships. Initial meetings with economic animation partners at the local ecosystem level have been initiated by Wallonie Entreprendre and are continuing;
- Promoting job-creating trades, sectors, and skills, including STEAM and digital technology (P13; prioritised): following the successful collaborations initiated through previous project calls, a new call for projects will be launched in 2024, extending the duration of actions to two years. This will allow stakeholders in trade promotion and DIFST (Diffusion of Sciences and Techniques) to submit new joint projects. These initiatives, led by public or private training, guidance, employment, and trade promotion providers, aim to elevate job visibility and inspire vocations, particularly among girls. The objective of this call is to engage grassroots actors, promote in-demand jobs and critical functions, and propose partnerships to enhance existing promotional actions while developing new tools. As of October 2024, the Walloon Government is awaiting a decision regarding this latest call for projects;
- Implementing partnerships to increase skills for individuals far from employment (P19; not prioritised): between 1 November 2023, and 30 June 2024, under the coordination of SPW Emploi Formation, the second project call to support skill development for individuals very far from employment enabled the funding of 41 multi-partner projects with a budget of EUR 1 795 049, based on 49 applications submitted. All projects are set to conclude by October 2024;
- Reconstructing (P315; not prioritised): as of 28 October 2024, IFAPME has issued 1 964 grants. Additional grants will be paid out by the end of the year, although this number cannot yet be defined. Additionally, 393 vouchers for the Drive passport have been issued, with a total of 305 vouchers utilised;
- During its press conference on 16 October 2024, the Walloon Government indicated that it would decide the future of the Recovery Plan projects by the end of 2024. In the meantime, rational use of regional resources will guide the Government's decisions while honouring irrevocable commitments made.
Bodies responsible
- Walloon Government
Target groups
Learners
- Young people (15-29 years old)
- Adult learners
- Unemployed and jobseekers
Entities providing VET
- Companies
- VET providers (all kinds)
Thematic categories
Governance of VET and lifelong learning
This thematic category looks at existing legal frameworks providing for strategic, operational – including quality assurance – and financing arrangements for VET and lifelong learning (LLL). It examines how VET and LLL-related policies are placed in broad national socioeconomic contexts and coordinate with other strategies and policies, such as economic, social and employment, growth and innovation, recovery and resilience.
This thematic category covers partnerships and collaboration networks of VET stakeholders – especially the social partners – to shape and implement VET in a country, including looking at how their roles and responsibilities for VET at national, regional and local levels are shared and distributed, ensuring an appropriate degree of autonomy for VET providers to adapt their offer.
The thematic category also includes efforts to create national, regional and sectoral skills intelligence systems (skills anticipation and graduate tracking) and using skills intelligence for making decisions about VET and LLL on quality, inclusiveness and flexibility.
This thematic sub-category refers to the integration of VET into economic, industrial, innovation, social and employment strategies, including those linked to recovery, green and digital transitions, and where VET is seen as a driver for innovation and growth. It includes national, regional, sectoral strategic documents or initiatives that make VET an integral part of broader policies, or applying a mix of policies to address an issue VET is part of, e.g. in addressing youth unemployment measures through VET, social and active labour market policies that are implemented in combination. National skill strategies aiming at quality and inclusive lifelong learning also fall into this sub-category.
This thematic sub-category refers to the ways VET is funded at the system level. Policies include optimisation of VET provider funding that allows them to adapt their offer to changing skill needs, green and digital transitions, the social agenda and economic cycles, e.g. increasing the funding for VET or for specific programmes. They can also concern changing the mechanism of how the funding is allocated to VET schools (per capita vs based on achievement or other criteria). Using EU funds and financial instruments for development of VET and skills also falls into this sub-category.
This thematic sub-category refers both to formal mechanisms of stakeholder engagement in VET governance and to informal cooperation among stakeholders, which motivate shared responsibility for quality VET. Formal engagement is usually based on legally established institutional procedures that clearly define the role and responsibilities for relevant stakeholders in designing, implementing and improving VET. It also refers to establishing and increasing the degree of autonomy of VET providers for agile and flexible VET provision.
In terms of informal cooperation, the sub-category covers targeted actions by different stakeholders to promote or implement VET. This cooperation often leads to creating sustainable partnerships and making commitments for targeted actions, in line with the national context and regulation, e.g. national alliances for apprenticeships, pacts for youth or partnerships between schools and employers. It can also include initiatives and projects run by the social partners or sectoral organisations or networks of voluntary experts and executives, retired or on sabbatical, to support their peers in the fields of VET and apprenticeships, as part of the EAfA.
Supporting lifelong learning culture and increasing participation
Lifelong learning refers to all learning (formal, non-formal or informal) taking place at all stages in life and resulting in an improvement or update in knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes or in participation in society from a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment-related perspective (Erasmus+, Glossary of terms, https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-d/glossary-common-terms). A systemic approach to CVET is crucial to ensure adaptability to evolving demands.
This broad thematic category looks at ways of creating opportunities and ensuring access to re-skilling and upskilling pathways, allowing individuals to progress smoothly in their learning throughout their lives with better permeability between general and vocational education and training, and better integration and compatibility between initial and continuing VET and with higher education. Individuals should be supported in acquiring and updating their skills and competences and navigating easily through education and training systems. Strategies and campaigns that promote VET and LLL as an attractive and high-quality pathway, providing quality lifelong guidance and tailored support to design learning and career paths, and various incentives (financial and non-financial) to attract and support participation in VET and LLL fall into this thematic category as well.
This thematic category also includes many initiatives on making VET inclusive and ensuring equal education and training opportunities for various groups of learners, regardless of their personal and economic background and place of residence – especially those at risk of disadvantage or exclusion, such as persons with disabilities, the low-skilled and low-qualified, minorities, migrants, refugees and others.
This thematic sub-category refers to providing high-quality lifelong learning and career guidance services, including making full use of Europass and other digital services and resources.
This thematic sub-category refers to making VET pathways and programmes inclusive and accessible for all. It concerns measures and targeted actions to increase access and participation in VET and lifelong learning for learners from all vulnerable groups, and to support their school/training-to-work transitions. It includes measures to prevent early leaving from education and training. The thematic sub-category covers measures promoting gender balance in traditionally ‘male’ and ‘female’ professions and addressing gender-related and other stereotypes. The vulnerable groups are, but not limited to: persons with disabilities; the low-qualified/-skilled; minorities; persons of migrant background, including refugees; people with fewer opportunities due to their geographical location and/or their socioeconomically disadvantaged circumstances.
European priorities in VET
VET Recommendation
- VET agile in adapting to labour market challenges
- VET as a driver for innovation and growth preparing for digital and green transitions and occupations in high demand
- VET promoting equality of opportunities
Osnabrück Declaration
- Sustainability - a green link in VET
Subsystem
Further reading
Country
Type of development
Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Walloon recovery plan: Belgium-FR. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2024 update) [Online tool].
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/tools/timeline-vet-policies-europe/search/41495