Career coaching in Flanders has long supported thousands of workers seeking guidance, but recent scrutiny has raised questions about its efficiency and fairness. Since 2013, more than 200,000 Flemings have used the government-subsidised loopbaancheques to consult certified career coaches. However, on 2025-06-11 17:26:00, a critical audit revealed troubling financial practices within the system.
- Vlaamse overheid subsidieert loopbaancheques sinds 2013
- Minister Demir beperkt loopbaancheques tot duizend
- Audit onthult inefficiëntie en hoge subsidies
- Grote centra verdienen 7,5 miljoen euro subsidies
- Subsidiegeld blijft deels hangen bij doorgeefluiken
- Hervormingsvoorstel richt zich op directe subsidiëring
Minister of Work Zuhal Demir has voiced concerns over the distribution of subsidies, highlighting that a handful of centres receive the lion’s share of funding while only partially investing in actual career guidance. With monthly career cheque quotas slashed to a thousand, the demand far exceeds supply, sparking debate on reforming this vital service.
How can the system better serve those genuinely seeking career advice? And is it right that so much public money ends up as administrative overhead? These questions set the stage for upcoming reforms.
The audit’s findings suggest that the current career coaching system functions more as a financial funnel than a support network. Key points include:
- Seven centres received €7.5 million in subsidies, but only two-thirds of their income went to actual coaching.
- 22 million euros were split among 251 entities, with just 42 companies controlling 80% of the market.
- Administrative costs often overshadow direct career guidance, indicating centres act mainly as intermediaries.
- Limiting monthly cheques has already halved government spending from €20 million to €10 million.
As Minister Demir prepares reform proposals before the summer recess, Flemings should watch closely. Will the system evolve to truly empower individuals in their career journeys, or will bureaucratic hurdles persist? The coming changes promise more transparency and direct support, aiming to restore trust and effectiveness in career coaching.
