IT Jobs in Belgium: Why Workers Are in Demand
Belgium has a growing problem in its technology sector: companies need more IT workers, but there are not enough qualified people to fill many of the available jobs.
The shortage is not new, but it remains a serious challenge as Belgian businesses continue to move more of their work online and invest in new digital technologies.
The European Commission’s latest Digital Decade report says shortages of ICT specialists continue to limit innovation and the use of new technology in Belgium. The country now needs to strengthen the pipeline of IT workers and better connect education and training with what employers actually need.
For people looking for a career change, this could create new opportunities. IT is one of the areas where Belgium continues to need skilled workers.
Belgium needs more IT specialists
The Belgian government says 5.7% of the country’s working population is employed in ICT. That is still below the country’s 2030 target of 10%.
The problem is not simply the number of existing IT workers. Belgium also has difficulty bringing enough new people into the field.
The share of ICT graduates remains below the European average. According to federal figures, only about 3% of people in Belgium were ICT graduates in 2023, compared with 4.5% across the European Union.
That gap makes it harder for Belgian companies to replace workers who leave the sector and to find people with the skills needed for new technologies.
Why are IT workers in demand?
Almost every part of the economy now depends on technology.
Banks need software developers and cybersecurity specialists. Hospitals need digital systems and IT support. Manufacturing companies use automation and connected machines. Retailers depend on websites, online payments and data.
At the same time, businesses are increasingly using cloud services, artificial intelligence, data systems and other digital tools.
This means companies are not only looking for traditional computer programmers.
They also need people who can manage networks, protect systems, work with data, support employees and help businesses use technology more effectively.
Which IT jobs are in demand in Belgium?
The IT sector covers a wide range of careers.
Software developers remain an important part of the market, but they are far from the only option.
Companies also need:
- Software developers
- IT support specialists
- System and network administrators
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Data specialists
- Database administrators
- Cloud professionals
- Business analysts
- IT project managers
- Digital and technical support workers
The exact demand changes over time and differs between regions and industries.
VDAB, the public employment service for Flanders, continues to describe IT as an important area for job seekers. Its current job listings include thousands of ICT-related vacancies.
What VDAB says about IT jobs?
VDAB considers IT one of the sectors where skilled workers can find strong career opportunities.
Its current information for job seekers highlights roles ranging from software development and network administration to data-related jobs and IT support.
VDAB also offers professional training for people who want to enter the technology sector or improve their existing skills.
Some of its training options include areas such as Java development, system and network administration, ICT support, programming logic, SQL, HTML and CSS.
This is important for people who do not already have a computer science degree.
You do not always need to start with a university degree to build a career in IT. Depending on the job, practical skills, training and experience can also play an important role.
A shortage does not mean every IT job is easy to get
Belgium’s IT worker shortage does not mean every person applying for an IT job will immediately find one.
Employers are often looking for specific skills and experience.
For example, a company may need someone with experience in a particular programming language, cloud platform, security system or business software.
This is one reason the skills gap remains a problem.
VDAB says shortages can sometimes be caused by a mismatch between the skills employers need and the skills available among job seekers. Language skills, communication skills and technical knowledge can all affect whether a company finds the right candidate.
For job seekers, this means choosing the right training can be just as important as simply applying for more jobs.
Training could open the door to IT
People who are considering a career change may find opportunities through professional training.
VDAB provides training and information for people who want to move into ICT. Its goal is to help job seekers develop practical skills that can be used in the workplace.
This can be especially useful for people who already have work experience but want to move into a different sector.
For example, someone with strong communication skills could move toward IT support. A person with an interest in numbers could explore data-related work. Someone with technical experience could look at network administration or other technical roles.
The best path depends on the person’s existing skills and the type of job they want.
Language skills can also matter
Technical skills are important, but language skills can also make a difference in the Belgian job market.
Belgium has several official languages, and the requirements can vary depending on the company and location.
In Flanders, Dutch can be particularly useful. Some international companies may use English as their main working language, but many local employers still expect employees to communicate in Dutch.
For someone new to Belgium, improving language skills while gaining professional experience can therefore increase the number of jobs available to them.
Belgium also needs more women in technology
Another challenge is the lack of women in the technology sector.
The European Commission has repeatedly pointed to the need for Belgium to increase the number of women entering ICT and other STEM fields.
Women made up about 19.4% of ICT specialists in Belgium in 2023, roughly in line with the EU average.
Increasing the number of women in technology could help Belgium reduce its skills shortage while giving more people access to growing career opportunities.
The problem goes beyond IT companies
Belgium’s shortage of skilled technology workers is not only a problem for software companies.
Almost every industry is becoming more dependent on digital systems.
Factories need automation specialists. Banks need cybersecurity teams. Hospitals need people who can maintain digital systems. Logistics companies rely on software, data and connected equipment.
As a result, someone working in IT does not necessarily have to work for a traditional technology company. There are opportunities across many parts of the Belgian economy.
Belgium still has a strong digital base
The IT worker shortage comes at a time when Belgium is already relatively advanced in several areas of digital infrastructure.
The country’s fixed very-high-capacity network coverage is strong, while the rollout of fiber and other digital infrastructure continues.
Belgium has also made significant progress with 5G coverage. But infrastructure alone is not enough.
Companies also need people who know how to build, manage and protect the digital systems running on that infrastructure.
That is why the shortage of ICT specialists remains one of Belgium’s major digital challenges.
What this means for job seekers?
For people looking for work in Belgium, the shortage of IT workers could be an opportunity. You do not necessarily need to become a software engineer.
There are many different paths into technology, from IT support and network administration to data, cybersecurity and software development.
The most important step is to understand which skills employers are currently looking for and then choose training that matches those needs.
For people living in Flanders, VDAB can be a useful place to start. It provides job listings, career information and training options for people who want to enter or develop their careers in IT.
Belgium’s shortage of IT workers is likely to remain an important issue in the coming years.
The country has set ambitious digital goals for 2030, but reaching them will require more than better infrastructure and new technology.
Belgium will also need more people who can build, operate and protect that technology.
For employers, that means finding and training skilled workers will remain a challenge.
For job seekers, however, the situation could create new opportunities, especially for people willing to learn new skills and adapt to the changing labor market.
As Belgium continues its digital transformation, IT skills are becoming more valuable across almost every part of the economy.
“For people looking for work in Flanders, registering with VDAB can be a useful first step.”
