Provision to raise achievement in basic skills

Basic Education 

In Flanders, basic education is provided by the Centres for Basic Education (CBE). Learners acquire core skills across seven learning areas: 

Basic education courses are structured at the level of primary education and the first cycle of secondary education. Exceptions include literacy in Dutch as a second language, Dutch as a second language, and other languages, which are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Literacy in Dutch as a second language and Dutch as a second language are delivered at CEFR pre-A1 (foundation) level 1. For oral skills, CEFR level B1 applies in certain courses. Language courses generally align with CEFR pre-A1 and are also equivalent to primary and first-cycle secondary education levels. 

No prior knowledge is required to start an introductory or non-sequential module. Learners without a secondary education diploma do not pay tuition at a CBE. 

Passing a module awards a partial certificate recognised by the Flemish Government. Completion of all modules leads to a full certificate recognised by the Flemish Government. 

Language courses follow the same learning outcomes as those in primary and first-cycle secondary education. For Dutch, social orientation, and ICT, adapted learning outcomes have been developed. For mathematics, both adapted outcomes and core competencies apply. Literacy in Dutch as a second language and Dutch as a second language have defined core competencies, which also apply to other language courses without formal learning outcomes. 

Each centre is tasked with ensuring learners achieve the prescribed learning outcomes or core competencies in knowledge, understanding, and skills. 

Provision to achieve a recognised qualification during adulthood

Secondary Adult Education (Secundair Volwassenenonderwijs – SVO) 

Secondary adult education comprises courses grouped into 50 study areas, corresponding to the second and third cycles of full-time secondary education. Exceptions are Dutch as a second language and other languages aligned with the CEFR. 

SVO enables adults to obtain a secondary education diploma. This can involve combining vocational courses with Supplementary General Education (Aanvullende Algemene Vorming). Some courses in the General Education area correspond to the general secondary education trajectory (ASO) and lead directly to a secondary diploma. Supplementary and General Education courses also encompass the former “second-chance education”. 

SVO study areas include: 

Learners must be at least 18 to enrol in Supplementary or General Education courses, and at least 16 for all other SVO courses. 

Partial certificates are awarded for successful module completion; full certificates are awarded for completing the entire course. One exception is Business Management, which awards a recognised certificate required to start a business in the Brussels-Capital Region. 

Learning outcomes for General Education align with those of corresponding full-time secondary programmes. For other areas, specific learning outcomes or recognised vocational qualifications match the equivalent full-time secondary education courses. Where no corresponding secondary courses exist, core competencies are defined per course. 

Each centre is responsible for ensuring learners achieve the prescribed learning outcomes, vocational qualifications, or core competencies. 

Provision targeting the transition to the labour market

VDAB Vocational Training 

VDAB offers over 1,000 practical vocational courses in areas including: 

VDAB also provides courses in social and basic skills relevant to the labour market. Courses are free for unemployed jobseekers if they form part of a pathway to work, with ongoing guidance from a VDAB advisor. It is important that the intended course aligns with the candidate’s talents and career plans, as well as with labour market shortage vacancies. 

Courses are delivered through: 

Workplace learning opportunities include: 

A variety of teaching methods are used for the different VDAB training options: 

Learners are continuously monitored and assessed throughout their (modular) course via a technical-pedagogical file. Upon completion of specific courses, learners receive a certificate of attendance. For web-based courses, learners receive a certificate after positive evaluation by the coach. These certificates have no formal or legal value and are not recognised as equivalent to officially accredited educational qualifications. However, they are de facto recognised by employers. 

OKOT (Education-Qualifying Trajectories for Adults) 

OKOT are education-qualifying training pathways for unemployed adults. They are designed to address regional labour market shortages, aiming to provide both a vocational qualification and an educational qualification. OKOT can lead to educational qualifications at levels 3, 4, 5, or 6. The programmes are organised either fully or partially by educational institutions, and VDAB staff provide guidance before, during, and after the training. 

Entrepreneurship Training 

The SYNTRA training offer includes entrepreneurship programmes and dual learning. SYNTRA provides over 500 modularised entrepreneurship courses across 28 sectors. 

Dual Learning is the replacement for the discontinued Apprenticeship Scheme. A Dual Learning programme is designed for young people who have completed full-time compulsory education and are under 25 years of age. It combines one day of skills training at a SYNTRA campus with four days of on-the-job learning in a company under the guidance of both an employer and a programme supervisor. Dual Learning programmes lead to an official secondary education diploma across the 125 courses (spread over nine sectors) offered by SYNTRA. Dual Learning falls under the authority of the Department of Education, which funds SYNTRA for this purpose. 

Entrepreneurship programmes are approved by VLAIO and are aligned with a sectoral vocational competency profile, a qualification, a generic entrepreneurship profile, or relevant regulations. They include competence-enhancing activities that prepare participants for independent entrepreneurship, with the option to exit as an SME employee. Each entrepreneurship programme includes both theoretical and practical components. 

Participants who successfully complete the final exam of a certified SYNTRA programme receive a certificate or diploma recognised by the Flemish Government. 

These training programmes fall under the responsibility of different ministries.