The chemicals and pharmaceutical sector in Flanders drew last year 3.733 new employees, more than half more than two years before. And today, there are still nearly 1,500 vacancies. This is evident from the annual jobbarometer of the sector federation essenscia.
for The past three years were in the Flemish chemicals and pharma companies 9.682 people recruited. “Partly for the retirement of older workers to absorb, but it’s also about new features thanks to the strong job growth in the chemicals and life sciences”, sounds. The total number of jobs in the sector increases for five years in a row: 59.366 in 2013 to 62.154 in 2018. Almost 9 in 10 companies in the sector have vacancies. the
That might get difficult, however, completed: 29 percent of the one hundred surveyed companies with job openings for more than a year open. “Attracting talent is one of the main challenges for the chemicals and pharmaceutical sector”, says managing director Frank Beckx of essenscia Vlaanderen.
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From the nearly 1,500 unfilled vacancies, almost two-thirds intended for higher-education diplomas. Some 38 percent focuses on TSO-talent. Especially the direction of Chemical process methods, in which youth as blended learning, is a springboard to a job as a process operator, according to research.
VOTE direction
Therefore, calls Beckx young people to choose a VOICE-direction. “Both boys and girls, Emma or Luke, Youssef, or Aisha, choose for a technical or scientific study. That is the best way to work on solutions for the climate, health care, food supply, mobility, and so much more. The chemicals and pharmaceutical sector will place you in the arms, because every talent counts.”
The chemicals and pharmaceutical sector will place you in the arms, because every talent counts.
Frank Beckx, managing director of essenscia Vlaanderen
Less than one in five students in higher education choose in Belgium for a VOICE study, according to essenscia. In Germany, this is more than double. “Flanders needs as quickly as possible at the European summit in the proportion of STEM-degree programs. We are arguing for an ambitious new VOICE-action plan of the Flemish government, with clear goals and regular evaluations and adjustments.”
For the class
it is Also the sector of the requesting party for a pilot project to experienced workers from the industry for the class. “We ask the Flemish government to have a flexible system to work for such transfer students. So sure we can put together for a more practically oriented education.”
Essenscia wants to be a doubling of the number of dual students in the field of chemistry. The blended learning must also be extended to higher education. Closer collaboration with specialised training centres and the VDAB should provide more practice-oriented education at all levels.