Training center to address mismatch between jobs and skills in the aviation sector
Today, the Flemish Minister for Brussels and Youth visited Aviato Academy together with a delegation of more than 50 European stakeholders, including representatives of companies, educational institutions and government bodies. Located next to Brussels Airport, Aviato Academy serves as an innovative training center dedicated to shaping aviation professionals through targeted retraining and upskilling.
The meeting took place in the context of the European Year of Skills and is aimed at sharing good practices and promoting retraining and upskilling initiatives. In a video message, the Flemish Work Minister stressed the importance of European cooperation to close the skills gap and strengthen the labour market. “The impact of recent transitions, such as digitalisation or greening, on our labour market is huge, also in Flanders. Investing in lifelong learning and the competences of workers and jobseekers is therefore crucial. By working together on this, also at European level, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic labour market.”
A highlight of the meeting was the visit to Aviato Academy’s new Talent Hub, which will officially open in the autumn. There, the European delegation had the chance to already get acquainted with the innovative training programmes. These programmes are specifically designed to provide jobseekers, young people and industry workers with practical training and professional development. This to promote their sustainable employment in the Brussels Airport ecosystem. The Flemish Minister for Brussels and Youth underlined the crucial role of such initiatives in promoting the employment of Brussels youth: “The high youth unemployment rate in Brussels is one of the region’s biggest challenges. We need to guide young people much more towards sustainable and future-oriented jobs. Empowering Brussels youth with relevant skills and knowledge is an important step in the right direction.”
To enthuse candidates, employees and companies about jobs in and around the airport, Aviato Academy set up an area of more than 670 m² as an interactive experience and training space. The center has a strong focus on gamification and offers a wide range of technological tools, including an immersive environment with 360° projection, interactive screens, touch tables and augmented and virtual reality. “With the arrival of the Talent Hub, Aviato Academy confirms its commitment to creating the airport of the future, where lifelong learning, growth and innovation go hand in hand,” said Isabelle Borli, General Manager of Aviato Academy.
The European Year of Skills (EYS) runs from 9 May 2023 to 8 May 2024. Moreover, our country will be President of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2024. As skills are also in the spotlight during the Belgian Presidency, the Department of Work and Social Economy is creating as many synergies as possible between both EU initiatives. Representatives from different regions therefore came together to discuss innovative strategies to boost skills development and strengthen the labour market.
