VDAB

What VDAB does

VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding) is the Flemish public employment service, a Flemish government institution founded in 1989 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The organization provides labor market intermediation, vocational training, and career guidance services to job seekers, employers, and vulnerable groups across the Flanders region, employing between 1,001 and 5,000 staff. VDAB holds a statutory legal mandate under Belgian law to organize labor mediation and professional training for all working-age persons in Flanders, with its core services provided free of charge to users and funded by appropriations from the Flemish Government. Minor revenue is generated through the loopbaancheque (career cheque) program, which charges €90 for four hours of career guidance at authorized centers.

The organization's core technology is a multi-portal digital platform spanning vdab.be for job seekers, werkgevers.vdab.be for employers, and extranet.vdab.be for partner organizations. The platform features a job databank with over 100,000 active vacancies, a training databank with 200+ free online courses, personalized job recommendations (jobsuggesties), automated job alerts, and AI-powered tools including an AI CV-scan application coach (launched in 2025 in testing phase) and speech technology for call routing. Identity is handled through itsme and Belgian eID authentication. The platform integrates with the Competent competency database, Google Analytics, Hotjar, and Google Ads, and distributes vacancies through Google for Jobs, Jobat, Regiotalent, and inter-regional public employment services (FOREM, Actiris, ADG, EURES).

VDAB's go-to-market is direct-to-consumer for job seekers (online registration or in-person at VDAB locations) and direct-to-enterprise for employers through a dedicated portal. Distribution is supported by physical job fairs and employer events, social media presence across Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and a partner network of adult education centers (CVO), vocational training providers (Syntra), integration agencies, trade unions, and cross-border employment services. VDAB generates effectively no commercial revenue from these services; its core operating model is as a publicly funded public service rather than a commercial enterprise, with all major strategic decisions flowing from its statutory public mission rather than competitive market dynamics.

Name

VDAB

Legal name

VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding)

Website

https://vdab.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

VDAB is the Flemish public employment service providing free job matching, vocational training, and career guidance to job seekers and employers in Flanders, Belgium, through a digital platform serving 100,000+ vacancies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Employment Services

NAICS

Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs) (92313)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

TVET/Skills & Workforce Education Authorities (EDADAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Economic Growth, Trade & Private Sector Development Programs (BPADABAF)

Keywords

• Public employment services
• Vocational training
• Job matching platform
• Career guidance
• Workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussel

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government funding: VDAB is a Flemish public institution funded by the Flemish government. It provides free services to job seekers and employers as part of its statutory public mission to organize labor mediation and vocational training under Belgian law.
2. Loopbaancheque (Career cheque): Career guidance services are partially subsidized. Job seekers and workers with 7 years of experience can purchase a career cheque for 90 euros, covering 4 hours of career guidance at an approved career center.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

VDAB provides labor mediation and vocational training services to job seekers and employers in Flanders through its digital platform and physical office network. Its core offerings include a job vacancy databank (100,000+ jobs), a training course databank (200+ free online courses), personalized career guidance, AI-powered CV review, language training, diploma recognition support, and employer recruitment services via a dedicated employer portal.

Product overview

VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding) is the Flemish public employment service operating as a comprehensive digital employment platform. The core product is the VDAB Jobdatabank, a job vacancy database with over 200,000 positions, supplemented by the Opleidingendatabank (training database) offering vocational and professional education. The platform architecture includes the main consumer portal (vdab.be), the employer portal (werkgevers.vdab.be), and the partner extranet (extranet.vdab.be). Key sub-products include AI-powered tools like the CV-scan, personalized job matching through Jobsuggesties, online learning platform (Online Leren) with 200+ courses, career guidance tools (Loopbaantest, Loopbaancheque), language testing and Dutch courses for non-native speakers, diploma recognition services, and job fair/event management. VDAB integrates with Belgian public employment services (FOREM, Actiris, ADG), European networks (EURES), and job platforms (Google for Jobs, Jobat, Regiotalent) for vacancy distribution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VDAB Jobdatabank (Vacaturebank) The primary job search platform offering access to over 100,000 vacancies including permanent jobs, temporary positions, student jobs, flexi-jobs, and international positions, with search filters, map view, and job alerts. For job seekers and employers in Flanders.
• VDAB Opleidingendatabank Training database containing VDAB's own training offerings and those from partners. Users can search for training by field, location, and provider, with recognized training fully funded by VDAB. For job seekers and workers in Flanders.
• VDAB Account (Mijn profiel) Personal user account providing access to job suggestions, profile sharing with employers, job alerts, saved vacancies, and application status tracking. For registered job seekers in Flanders.
• AI CV-scan (AI-sollicitatiecoach) AI-powered tool that reviews job seekers' CVs and provides feedback to improve applications. Currently in testing phase. For job seekers in Flanders.
• Jobsuggesties Personalized job recommendations based on the user's profile, suggesting vacancies that match their skills and experience. For registered job seekers.
• Online Leren (Online Learning) Free online courses, workshops, videos, and podcasts for competency development, including over 200 courses and 50 workshops across ICT, languages, soft skills, and technical fields. For job seekers and workers in Flanders.
• Loopbaancheque Career voucher system where employed individuals with 7+ years of experience can purchase 4 hours of career guidance for €90 through an authorized career center. For working residents of Flanders.
• Diploma via VDAB behalen Free education program for job seekers to obtain secondary or higher education diplomas in shortage occupations, with VDAB covering tuition and materials. For job seekers in Flanders.
• Nederlands voor Anderstaligen (Dutch for Non-Native Speakers) Free Dutch language courses for job seekers with limited Dutch knowledge, including general courses and job-specific language training, available through CVO and Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering. For non-native Dutch speakers in Flanders.
• Diploma-erkenning (Diploma Recognition) Guidance service helping foreign diploma holders get their credentials recognized in Flanders through NARIC Vlaanderen, enabling access to jobs at appropriate levels and government positions. For non-native speakers with foreign diplomas.
• Werkgevers.vdab.be (Employer Portal) Employer portal providing access to vacancy management, training for employees, labor power tools, and disability employment permits. For employers recruiting in Flanders.
• Extranet.vdab.be (Partner Portal) Partner extranet for organizations collaborating with VDAB, offering access to customer dossiers, training administration, and collaboration tools. For partner organizations including integration agencies, career centers, and local governments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 954 prisoners supported in finding work opportunities in 2025
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Google for JobsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVDAB shares its vacancy listings with Google for Jobs, which publishes VDAB vacancies on Google's job search platform to reach a wider audience of job seekers.
• Jobat and RegiotalentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVDAB shares its vacancy listings with Jobat and Regiotalent, third-party job platforms in Belgium, to expand the reach of its job postings.
• FOREM (Walloon Public Employment Service)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVDAB shares vacancy data with FOREM under a cooperation agreement between Flanders and Wallonia to better match Walloon job seekers with vacancies in Flanders, including sanctions for non-responsive job seekers.
• Actiris (Brussels Employment Service)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVDAB shares its vacancy listings with Actiris, the Brussels public employment service, as part of the broader Belgian public employment network.
• ADG (Agentur für Arbeit und Grenzarbeit — German-speaking Belgian Employment Service)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVDAB shares vacancy data with ADG for the German-speaking community in Belgium as part of the inter-regional public employment services network.
• EURES (European Employment Services)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVDAB shares vacancy listings with EURES, the EU-wide employment mobility network, to promote cross-border job opportunities.
• Grensarbeid Maastricht (Cross-Border Employment Maastricht)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVDAB participates in Grensarbeid Maastricht together with the Grensinfopunt (Border Info Point) Maastricht to support cross-border employment between Belgian and Dutch Limburg, offering joint consultation hours for job seekers, workers, and employers.
• Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering (Integration and Inburgering Agency)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Integration and Inburgering Agency supports newcomers in Flanders with Dutch language courses, integration programs, and referrals to VDAB for employment services. VDAB works with this agency for non-native speakers requiring integration support.
• Atlas (Antwerp Integration Agency)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAtlas is the integration agency for Antwerp, providing Dutch language courses, integration support, and referrals to VDAB for employment services. Also offers advice on language and diversity policy for local governments.
• Amal (Ghent Integration Agency)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAmal is the integration agency for Ghent, providing integration support, Dutch language courses, and referrals to VDAB. Also offers advice on language and diversity policy for local governments.
• INTEC Brussel (Professional Training for Non-native Speakers)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorINTEC Brussel offers free professional training courses (PC and network technician, network administrator with Python, system administrator, and cybersecurity engineer) for highly educated non-native speakers with limited Dutch proficiency.
• Hack your FutureminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHack your Future offers web development training courses for non-native speakers, referenced by VDAB as part of the professional training pathway for highly educated non-native job seekers.
• Centra voor Volwassenenonderwijs (CVO — Adult Education Centers)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVDAB partners with CVO (Adult Education Centers) across Flanders to offer Dutch language courses and other vocational training programs for job seekers and workers.
• Syntra (Vocational Training)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVDAB partners with Syntra to provide vocational training options for job seekers, included in the VDAB training databank alongside VDAB's own courses.
• Rijksdienst voor Arbeidsvoorziening (RVA — National Employment Office)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRVA decides eligibility for unemployment benefits and administers sanctions. VDAB forwards cases to RVA's Controledienst (Control Service) when job seekers do not respond to communications. VDAB also works with RVA on career interruption and work-time reduction schemes.
• Hulpkas voor Werkloosheidsuitkering (HVW — Unemployment Benefits Cash Office)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Hulpkas is the public unemployment benefits payment agency. Job seekers must register with VDAB before their benefits can be processed by the Hulpkas or a trade union.
• Trade Unions (ACV, ACLVB, ABVV)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrade unions (ACV/CCCB, ACLVB/CGSLB, ABVV/FGTB) serve as unemployment benefits payment agencies alongside the Hulpkas. Job seekers can choose their payment institution.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Actiris: Brussels Capital-Region public employment service. Serves as the third leg of Belgium's regional PES model alongside VDAB and FOREM, with which VDAB shares vacancy data and inter-regional referrals.
• FOREM (Office wallon de la Formation professionnelle et de l'Emploi): The Walloon public employment service and VDAB's direct Belgian counterpart. FOREM provides the same labor mediation, vocational training, and career guidance mandate for French-speaking Belgium and is one of VDAB's primary cross-regional partners for sharing vacancy data.
• ADG (Arbeitsamt der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft): Public employment service for Belgium's German-speaking community. Functions as VDAB's counterpart in the smallest Belgian region and participates in VDAB's inter-regional vacancy-sharing network.

Regional players

• UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen): Dutch public employment service administering benefits, job matching, and re-skilling programs. Highly comparable mandate and digital-platform approach, and partners with VDAB on cross-border Limburg employment through Grensarbeid Maastricht.

Emerging players

• Jobat: Leading Belgian commercial job board that distributes VDAB vacancies alongside its own listings. Adjacent rather than directly competing because VDAB holds the statutory mandate, but Jobat captures employer marketing spend that VDAB does not address.

Others

• EURES (European Employment Services network): EU-wide job-mobility portal connecting national PES platforms including VDAB. Not a competitor but the umbrella framework under which VDAB distributes vacancies across the European Economic Area.

Broad incumbents

• LinkedIn (Job Search & Recruiter): Global professional network that competes for employer hiring mindshare and passive-candidate reach. While not a PES, it sets the benchmark for matching technology, candidate profiles, and recruiter tools that VDAB's AI roadmap must keep pace with.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Germany's federal employment agency providing labor market mediation, vocational training, and benefits. A larger, federalized version of VDAB's mandate; relevant for benchmarking operating model and digital PES capabilities.
• France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi): France's national public employment service, an EU-wide reference PES with unemployment-benefit administration, job matching, and training. Operates at much larger national scale than VDAB but performs an essentially equivalent statutory role.
• Indeed: Global commercial job-search engine. While VDAB does not directly compete with Indeed, employers increasingly post on both, and Indeed's scale in employer self-service sets a UX standard that VDAB's employer portal must match to remain the channel of choice.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vdab_be
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCiQbsoXoboEGfFGwiaPKBFg/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/vdab.be
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vdab
• Instagraminstagram.com/vdab_be
• TikToktiktok.com/@vdab_be

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VDAB