Life if filled with dreams of growing up and developing a future of prosperity and happiness. From an early age we are taught the value and morals that will motivate us to succeed in the future. Going through school, the mantra spoken on a daily basis is getting a good education, creates the power and sets up for an amazing future. We work hard, study, and eventually graduate but there is one thing that Belgians are known for.
For years and even decades, the Belgians have enjoyed the reputation of being a highly productive workforce. Various studies have shown that for every worked hour, Belgian employees create an added value to their companies. Of 13 countries covered in an initial survey, performed in 2007 only the Norwegians perform better, mostly thanks to their oil industry. The US occupies fifth place with USD 50.6, although in defense of the U.S. workers they work many more hours, with a similar work ethic but the Belgians are much more productive for the time spent.
Why are the Belgians better prepared and highly skilled? Maybe it is in part due to the the nation's educational system which has put a plan in action and has designed a system to prepare workers for entry into the workforce. A good majority of focus in this area is geared toward making younger people from the age of 15 on up to adult aware of the methodology it takes to become the best employee they can possibly be. The work ethics developed start with children in early childhood developmental stages. Creating this work ethic starts with elementary school work and continues with the rest of their academic career.
Eventually teenagers work part-time while they attend school developing a work ethic that will last them a lifetime. In addition, industrial apprenticeship programs are available for students between the ages of 16 and 18 in many specialized fields and careers. There is also vocational training available for both students and adults to develop a marketable skill that will most certainly be career based. The national government and regional governments offer a variety of incentives for retraining workers. These initiatives are designed to reduce the national social security burden.
Belgium a federal state with three language communities, French, Flemish and German, and three geographical regions, Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels-capital, Belgium suffers from low employment rates as high as 60.5%. Overall this is a real problem, as official statistics predict that nearly a third of the Belgian population will be over 60 by 2020. Unemployment levels vary strongly between Belgium’s three regions, with Flanders being the highest employment and productivity than the other regions.
As always in all areas of the world, the goal is to encourage career development and job diversity. With a determined work force, a high work ethic and the desire to find any job, whether it is full time, part time or even weekends the Belgians unstoppable. Who knows exactly what the future holds for the Belgians but if the past can determine whether the future is going to be well, I say for Belgium the future is bright.
Author Resource:
This article is written by Nadia who has deep experience in Job Search in Belgium . Jobs.Renego.be is a meta jobsearch engine presented in 12 countries worldwide and helps people find fast new Weekend Jobs in Belgium .