Brussels: greater digital inclusion for job seekers

Bruxelles Formation, the public vocational training service for adults in the Brussels region, highlighted in its 2022 study on digital inequalities the significant discrepancies in the digital practices of those being trained. In the context of the rapid spread of digital technologies in our societies and with the increased use of hybrid methods of vocational training since Covid, these differences affect the access and retention of learners in training.

To address this issue, an internal working group developed an action plan, adopted in February 2022. It identifies three types of needs for learners experiencing digital vulnerability:

• access to technological equipment and an internet connection;
• basic digital skills necessary to remain in training, including the ability to follow online courses;
• digital skills for socioeconomic integration, such as using online tools for job searching.

Measures to promote inclusion and digital autonomy of job seekers

In light of this observation, four types of measures have been implemented at Bruxelles Formation training centres since then:

• enhancement of human resources: a digital inclusion specialist officer and a trainer working on a specific training offer have been recruited. They are supported by a team of social workers based in the training centres;
• equipment support: Bruxelles Formation provides learners with a fleet of 926 laptops in October 2025 and offers internet subscription packages at a preferential rate to its most financially vulnerable users, thanks to a partnership with a telecom operator. Sixty-three of these subscriptions have been activated by the end of 2024;
• a training offer:
• upon entering training in construction and technological occupations, learners follow a mandatory three-hour workshop, which evaluates their computer skills. The PIX tool  is used for this evaluation, in collaboration with Actiris. In 2024, 167 people were evaluated, and 121 in 2025 (until October);
• a mandatory two-hour introductory distance learning module has also been organised in several training centres. From 2024 until October 2025, 352 learners were introduced to distance learning in this way;
• two months before the end of the training programme, personalised thematic workshops, notably on LinkedIn and online job searches, are organised. These workshops include awareness-raising on to the use of AI for dematerialised administrative procedures such as job searches, CV preparation or file management;
• communication campaign: three brochures have been distributed in the training centres as part of a communication campaign:
  • IT: a tool for training and finding a job!
  • Online public services (or e-administration) to simplify your life;
  • Get started in IT and achieve a recognised certification!.

Incorporation into the ‘Equality of opportunities and inclusion’ plan

All these measures have now been incorporated into the ‘Equality of opportunities and inclusion’ plan, which prioritises the audience that Bruxelles Formation has chosen to support with particular attention through its 2023-27 management contract and plan.

Its objective of ‘facilitating access and retention in training of those experiencing digital vulnerability and developing their basic digital skills’ includes the development of the following measures by the end of 2026:

• planning and provision of a shared space for all those in training. This will offer work stations, study rooms and isolation booths. The objective is to ensure a working environment conducive to success;
• development and promotion of modules to increase basic digital skills in the centres during learners’ training programmes;
• supplementing the Pédagobox, the Bruxelles Formation toolbox devoted to innovation and development of teaching practices, with help sheets for trainers dealing with distance learning for learners digitally at risk.

Improving basic digital skills has become an increasingly important priority, and digital inclusion remains a key element in ensuring a smooth and effective learning journey for learners. The ‘action plan for inclusion and digital autonomy’ contributes greatly these goals.