The Audi Jobday, a job fair, was held in Brussels to help jobseekers affected by the closure of Audi’s Brussels factory, which left around 3,000 employees without work. The event was organized by Belgium’s regional employment services and was attended by around 6,000 people. Many of the attendees were former Audi workers and subcontractors, but the fair was also open to other job seekers.
The event was deemed a “great success” by the employment services, which sought to match the highly skilled and experienced workers with new job opportunities. The former Audi employees, who are considered to be sought-after workers, were able to meet with a range of employers, from major companies like Brussels Airlines and the Ministry of Defence to smaller firms such as Safran Aircraft Engine Services Brussels and Vivaqua, the Brussels water company.
The job fair was a significant event in the region, as the closure of the Audi factory had a major impact on the industrial fabric of Brussels. The outgoing Brussels minister for Employment, Bernard Clerfayt, described the day as “an important day for job seekers and employers”, stating that the event was essential in helping the former Audi employees find new employment opportunities.
The employment services of Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders worked together to organize the job fair, recognizing that the former Audi employees were in high demand due to their technical expertise, know-how, and years of experience. The services sought to help the former Audi workers to adapt to new roles and industries, providing them with support and guidance throughout the job search process.
Overall, the Audi Jobday was a successful event that helped to provide employment opportunities for jobseekers affected by the closure of the Audi factory in Brussels. The event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between employment services and employers in supporting workers who have been made redundant, and highlighted the value of the former Audi employees’ skills and experience in the job market.