The interregional 'Audi Jobday' for the affected employees of the now-closed Audi factory in Brussels was deemed a success by the three regional employment services Actiris, VDAB and Forem.
Around 6,000 jobseekers registered for the event on Thursday. Many of them were employees or subcontractors of the Audi Brussels. While the event was mainly organised to help them find work, it also opened its doors to other job seekers.
"This is an important day for job seekers and employers," said 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."
The Brussels employment service, the Walloon employment service Forem and the Flemish VDAB were also been called in to help job-seekers find work. Audi's workforce included not only Brussels residents but also hundreds of Flemings and Walloons. In total, there are 1,200 Audi employees from Wallonia, primarily from the Borinage, and 1,233 Flemish Audi employees – from West Flanders to Limburg.
Audi employees are sought-after workers, with the necessary technical expertise, know-how and years of experience. The employment services see this as a unique opportunity for employers in many sectors.
Companies present include major players such as Brussels Airlines, the Ministry of Defence, Colruyt and Delhaize, but also companies such as the lesser-known Safran Aircraft Engine Services Brussels or the Brussels water company Vivaqua.
