Recent legislative changes allow career changers to undertake necessary temporary employment partly outside of educational institutions, enhancing flexibility in their transition into the education sector.

Career changers are required to undertake temporary employment, referred to as "deviation", for at least 15 weeks in the relevant position within the German-speaking community's education sector. Previously, career changers had to complete three deviations over five consecutive school years within educational institutions.

Under the new amendment, effective from November 2025, individuals entering the education sector without the necessary teaching qualifications can now regularise their employment status by completing their first and second deviations outside of the education sector. These placements can be conducted in institutions organised or subsidised by the German-speaking community.

The third deviation must still be completed within an educational institution in the German-speaking community. Following this final stage, a joint evaluation will be conducted by the school principal and school inspection.

This measure is designed to make the teaching profession more attractive and facilitate entry for career changers.

For more information: https://ostbelgienbildung.be/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2294/4395_read-75418/

Source: Eurydice Unit Belgium (German-Speaking Community)