Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant

What Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant does

Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant (Syntra AB) is a Belgian non-profit vocational education organization (Syntra Antwerpen en Vlaams-Brabant vzw) founded in 2002 and headquartered in Antwerp, operating across three main campuses in Berchem (Antwerp), Heverlee (Leuven), and Mechelen, plus nine external training partner locations in the Flanders region. The organization operates a dual-brand structure: Syntra AB delivers public vocational training (evening courses, full-time day programs, dual learning apprenticeships for ages 15–25, continuing education, and a Summerschool) and Syntra Bizz delivers customized corporate incompany training. The portfolio spans more than 900 courses across 20+ professional sectors including construction, beauty and wellness, ICT, management, horeca, transport, finance, and trades, with approximately 50 full-time day vocational programs and 600+ continuing education offerings. Programs are delivered via classroom instruction, on-the-job workplace learning, and a Moodle-based online learning management system branded Syntra Cloud.

The business model combines individual course tuition (ranging from roughly €99 short workshops to €4,083 extended professional programs), bespoke corporate incompany contracts with group pricing, VDAB-funded seats for registered job seekers in recognized shortage occupations (knelpuntberoepen), and subsidized SME enrollment through the KMO-portefeuille (up to 30% discount) and Opleidingscheques instruments. Pricing is supplemented by structural funding from the European Social Fund (ESF), the Flemish employment service (VDAB), and the Flemish innovation and entrepreneurship agency (VLAIO). The go-to-market motion is multi-channel: B2C direct enrollment via campus and website, B2B enterprise sales through a dedicated team of Opleidingsadviseurs (training advisors), and government/sector referral pathways via VDAB, VLAIO, Constructiv, BIV, ITAA, and Volta. Named enterprise customers include Fluvius (Fluvius Academy safety training), Philips, Agfa Gevaert, Delhaize, Hubo, LU Biscuits, Water.link, and various regional municipalities.

The organization's technology stack is centered on the Syntra Cloud Moodle-based LMS for course delivery, enrollment, and student portals, supplemented by industry-standard tools used in training delivery (AutoCAD, Revit for BIM; Rhino/Grasshopper for 3D printing). Differentiation rests on regulatory recognition — official Flemish Community authorization to issue government-acknowledged diplomas, ISO 9001 quality certification, and sectoral accreditations from BIV (real estate), ITAA (accountancy), Volta (electro-technical), and Constructiv (construction) — combined with the breadth of the course catalog and the closed-loop integration between training supply, employer demand (notably Fluvius Academy), and government workforce programs. Recent strategic activity has focused on curriculum expansion into BIM, 3D printing/parametric design, AI/ChatGPT training, and AI agent automation (n8n/MCP), alongside deepening of the incompany B2B sales motion.

Name

Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant

Legal name

Syntra Antwerpen en Vlaams-Brabant vzw

Website

https://syntra-ab.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant is a Belgian non-profit vocational training organization operating three campuses across Flanders, offering 900+ courses across 20+ sectors to individual learners via evening/day/dual programs and to businesses via customized incompany training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Language & Cross-Cultural Training (BPACANAL)

Keywords

• Vocational training
• Professional education
• Corporate training
• Dual learning
• Continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Antwerp

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Open Enrollment Course Fees: Individual students pay tuition fees for publicly advertised courses across 20+ sectors. Fees vary by course duration, format, and specialization (ranging from ~€99 for short workshops to €4,000+ for extended professional programs). Revenue is one-time per course per student.
2. Incompany / Corporate Training: Syntra Bizz delivers customized corporate training programs for businesses and organizations. These are priced as group contracts with bespoke quotes, typically at discounted group rates, and can be delivered on-site, at Syntra campuses, or online. KMO-portefeuille subsidies (up to 30%) apply.
3. VDAB-Funded Training for Job Seekers: Recognized shortage occupation (knelpuntberoep) courses are fully funded by VDAB for registered unemployed job seekers meeting eligibility criteria, generating revenue via government training contracts.
4. Subsidized Training (KMO-portefeuille, Opleidingscheques): Students and SMEs access publicly subsidized training through Flemish government instruments — KMO-portefeuille (up to 30% discount for SMEs) and Opleidingscheques (training vouchers) — reducing net fees paid by end customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant delivers practice-oriented vocational training and professional education across more than 20 sectors (construction, beauty, IT, management, horeca, finance, transport, etc.) through two brands: Syntra AB (open-enrollment courses for individuals including evening courses, full-time day programs, dual learning, and continuing education) and Syntra Bizz (customized incompany corporate training for businesses). The organization issues Flemish-recognized diplomas and attestations and delivers training across campuses in Antwerp, Leuven, and Mechelen supplemented by an online Moodle-based learning platform.

Product overview

Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant operates as a dual-brand vocational education provider consisting of Syntra AB (core vocational training) and Syntra Bizz (corporate training). The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional education products spanning evening courses, full-time day programs (approximately 50 programs), dual learning apprenticeships, and 600+ continuing education courses across 20+ sectors. Core offerings include recognized diplomas and attestations for careers in construction, beauty/wellness, IT, management, horeca, and trades. The product line extends to corporate incompany training, entrepreneurship programs (Jumpstarters), specialized seasonal programs (Summerschool), and e-learning via the Syntra Cloud (Moodle) platform. The organization serves both individuals seeking career development and businesses seeking customized workforce training solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Avondopleidingen (Evening Courses) Multi-year evening vocational programs leading to Flemish-recognized diplomas or attestations. Covers 20+ sectors from hairdressing to IT to construction management and is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement.
• Voltijdse Dagopleidingen (Full-time Day Programs) Accelerated 1-year intensive vocational training programs with 60% workplace learning. Offers approximately 50 professional programs leading to recognized certificates or diplomas, designed for career changers.
• Duaal Leren (Dual Learning) Apprenticeship-style program for ages 15-25 combining 4 days per week workplace learning with 1 day of campus instruction. Provides practical training with mentorship from industry professionals across multiple vocational sectors.
• Trainingen en Bijscholingen (Professional Continuing Education) Professional development and skills upgrade courses offering 600+ training programs across 20 sectors. Covers specialized, accelerated, or advanced topics for career professionals and is available as open enrollment or incompany.
• Incompany Trainingen (Syntra Bizz Corporate Training) Customized corporate training solutions delivered at client premises, Syntra campuses, neutral locations, or online. Fully tailored to company needs with group pricing and KMO-portefeuille subsidy eligibility up to 30%.
• Start je Eigen Zaak (Start Your Own Business) Entrepreneurship launch program offering personal guidance from successful entrepreneurs. Includes feasibility studies and support for starting a business, available as add-on to vocational programs or as standalone 12-month Jumpstarters trajectory.
• Jumpstarters (12-month entrepreneur coaching) Personal entrepreneurship coaching trajectory spanning 12 months that actively explores business ideas and assesses feasibility, with accompaniment from experienced entrepreneur coaches.
• Leerjobs Training pathway targeting unemployed youth seeking to develop career prospects by learning a profession in the workplace, offered in collaboration with VDAB.
• Summerschool Summer intensive course program offering 160+ short courses across multiple vocational sectors, designed for professional development during summer months with discounts available.
• BIM Bouwkundig Tekenaar - Voltijdse Dagopleiding Full-time day program recognized as a shortage occupation (knelpuntberoep) covering BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM workflow, and openBIM standards. 1-year program with 723 hours including work placement, targeting career changers and job seekers.
• 3D Print Productdesigner 2-year professional program covering 3D printing as production technique for industry, design, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Includes concept design, parametric/algorithmic modeling (Rhino, Grasshopper), slicer software, additive manufacturing techniques, and reverse engineering via 3D scanning.

Quantifiable outcome

• BIM Bouwkundig Tekenaar graduates are described as 'very much in demand' on the labor market, with strong placement rates at architecture firms, engineering bureaus, and contractors
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVDAB is the Flemish public employment and training service. It partners with Syntra AB by referring registered unemployed job seekers to shortage occupation (knelpuntberoep) courses, which are fully subsidized for eligible participants. VDAB also co-develops training curricula for in-demand occupations to align with labor market needs.
• ConstructivcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstructiv is the service organization for the Belgian construction sector under Paritair Comité 124 (PC 124). It collaborates with Syntra AB to endorse and promote construction sector training. Syntra AB's training programs are recognized by Constructiv, which also facilitates access to social benefits and workforce development for construction workers.
• JumpstarterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJumpstarters is a 12-month personal coaching program for prospective entrepreneurs. Syntra AB partners with Jumpstarters to provide entrepreneurship coaching and feasibility assessment for students wanting to start their own business, combining Syntra AB's vocational training with Jumpstarters' entrepreneurial mentorship.
• Syntra Duaal A and Syntra Duaal BmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSyntra Dual A and B are regional dual learning partners that collaborate with Syntra AB on dual/apprenticeship learning programs for youth aged 15-25. These organizations provide the workplace learning component while Syntra AB provides the classroom-based theoretical instruction.
• UNIZO (Unie van Zelfstandige Ondernemers)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIZO, the Union of Belgian Self-Employed Entrepreneurs, supports Syntra AB's entrepreneurship programs and Start je eigen zaak (Start your own business) trajectory. UNIZO refers its SME members to Syntra AB training and supports entrepreneurship education.
• BIV (Beroepsinstantie voor Vastgoed)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIV is the professional body for real estate professionals in Belgium. Syntra AB holds BIV recognition for its real estate sector training programs, making them officially recognized for professionals seeking licensure and continuing education in the property sector.
• ITAA (Instituut van de Accountants en de Belastingconsulenten)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerITAA is the professional institute for accountants and tax consultants in Belgium. Syntra AB holds ITAA recognition for its finance and accountancy sector training programs, providing official accreditation for professionals in these fields.
• Volta (Technisch Vormingsinstituut)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolta is the technical training institute for the electrical and electrotechnical sector in Belgium. Syntra AB's electrical and automation training programs are recognized by Volta, ensuring compliance with sector standards and certification requirements.
• FluviuscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFluvius, the Flemish grid operator for electricity and gas, engaged Syntra Bizz to deliver safety training to hundreds of new employees and contractors through the Fluvius Academy. Syntra Bizz trainers (Karim & Filip) provided essential safety training at Hasselt and Mechelen locations.
• PhilipsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPhilips is listed as a corporate customer receiving incompany training from Syntra Bizz. The partnership involves customized corporate training programs for Philips employees.
• Agfa GevaertminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgfa Gevaert is listed as a corporate customer receiving incompany training from Syntra Bizz.
• DelhaizeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelhaize is listed as a corporate customer receiving incompany training from Syntra Bizz.
• HubominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHubo is listed as a corporate customer receiving incompany training from Syntra Bizz.
• Water.linkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWater.link is listed as a corporate customer receiving incompany training from Syntra Bizz.
• LU BiscuitsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLU Biscuits is listed as a corporate customer receiving incompany training from Syntra Bizz.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cevora / FormaBel: Cevora is the Belgian sector training fund for the grocery retail and food sector, providing subsidized vocational training to employees and job seekers. Operates under similar VDAB and sector fund recognition, and competes with Syntra AB's retail, hospitality, and food sector training offerings in Belgium.
• New Horizons Belgium: New Horizons is one of the world's largest IT training franchises with a Belgian operation offering professional IT courses, certifications, and corporate training. Directly competes with Syntra AB's IT, cybersecurity (Ethical Hacking), and digital upskilling courses for both individual learners and corporate clients.
• Syntra West: Syntra West is the regional Syntra vocational training center for West Flanders, operating the same erkend opleidingscentrum model with evening courses, full-time day programs, dual learning, and corporate incompany training. Direct head-to-head peer with overlapping course catalog and identical government recognition framework.
• Syntra Limburg: Syntra Limburg is the regional Syntra vocational training center for the Limburg province, providing the same dual brand structure (public courses and corporate Syntra Bizz division) and identical knelpuntberoep and VDAB-funded program offerings. Closest structural peer within the Syntra network.
• Syntra Oost-Vlaanderen: Syntra Oost-Vlaanderen is the regional Syntra center covering East Flanders with the same vocational training portfolio, dual learning programs, and corporate training division. Same Erkend Opleidingscentrum status and Flemish government subsidy framework.

Others

• Volta (Technisch Vormingsinstituut): Volta is the sector training organization for the Belgian electro-technical industry. Syntra AB's electrical training programs are formally recognized by Volta, creating a partnership relationship but also positioning Volta as a related training provider serving the same Flemish electrical workforce segment.

Broad incumbents

• VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding): VDAB is the Flemish public employment and vocational training service that both funds and competes with Syntra AB. VDAB runs its own training centers for job seekers, co-develops curricula with Syntra AB, and refers registered unemployed candidates. Acts as both a partner and an indirect competitor for workforce development training.
• Global Knowledge: Global Knowledge is a major international corporate IT and professional training provider operating in Belgium, offering vendor-certified courses (Cisco, AWS, Microsoft) and corporate upskilling. Competes with Syntra Bizz for enterprise IT and digital training budgets among larger Belgian employers.

Emerging players

• BeCode: BeCode is a Belgian non-profit coding bootcamp offering free web development and AI training to job seekers, partially funded by VDAB. Directly competes with Syntra AB's IT and AI training courses in the reskilling market, particularly for knelpuntberoep designations in digital roles.

Regional players

• Thomas More Hogeschool: Thomas More is a major Flemish university of applied sciences that Syntra AB lists as an external training location partner (Tripoint Geel). Offers degree-level vocational education in technology, business, and healthcare, partially overlapping with Syntra AB's higher-end professional programs in the same Flemish region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/syntraab
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/syntraab
• Facebookfacebook.com/syntraab
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/syntra-antwerpen-en-vlaams-brabant-syntra-ab-
• Instagraminstagram.com/syntra.ab
• TikToktiktok.com/@syntra.ab

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

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 Syntra Antwerp and Flemish Brabant