Brussels – The interregional ‘Audi Jobday’ organized for employees affected by the closure of the Audi Brussels factory was hailed as a success by the three regional employment agencies—Actiris, VDAB, and Forem.
The event, held on Thursday, saw approximately 6,000 job seekers in attendance, many of whom were former employees or subcontractors of the now-defunct Audi production plant.
While the job fair was primarily aimed at assisting these displaced workers in finding new employment, its doors were also open to other job seekers from various backgrounds.
The initiative, a collaboration between Brussels‘ employment service Actiris, Wallonia’s Forem, and Flanders’ VDAB, sought to bridge the gap between affected workers and companies in need of skilled labor.
A Crucial Day for Job Seekers and Employers
“This is an important day for job seekers and employers,” remarked outgoing Brussels Employment Minister Bernard Clerfayt (DéFI). “The closure of Audi Brussels has had a major impact on the factory’s employees, with significant consequences for Brussels’ industrial fabric.”
Audi Brussels’ closure left thousands of workers uncertain about their future, making the job fair a critical step toward re-employment.
Many of the affected employees were residents of different regions across Belgium, with 1,200 hailing from Wallonia—particularly the Borinage region—and another 1,233 from Flanders, spanning from West Flanders to Limburg.
Highly Skilled Workers in Demand
The event provided an opportunity for employers to tap into a pool of experienced and technically skilled workers.
Audi employees were known for their specialized expertise in automotive manufacturing, and this made them attractive candidates for various industries beyond car production.
Recognizing this, several major companies participated in the event, including Brussels Airlines, the Ministry of Defence, supermarket chains Colruyt and Delhaize, as well as lesser-known firms such as Safran Aircraft Engine Services Brussels and Vivaqua, the Brussels water company.
Employers expressed keen interest in recruiting Audi workers, citing their hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and adaptability as key assets.
A Unique Chance to Build New Careers
For many job seekers, the fair was not only an opportunity to find new employment but also to explore different industries. Former Audi workers who spent years in the automotive sector are now considering career shifts into fields such as logistics, aerospace, and public utilities.
The collaboration between the three regional employment services was instrumental in making the event a success, ensuring that job seekers from across Belgium had access to a wide range of opportunities.
With the high turnout and strong employer participation, employment agencies remain optimistic about the prospects for Audi Brussels workers finding new roles in the coming months.
As the job fair concludes, the focus now shifts to follow-up support and long-term reemployment strategies.
While the closure of Audi Brussels marked the end of an era, initiatives like the ‘Audi Jobday’ provide hope for those affected, paving the way for new beginnings in the Belgian job market.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
