Brussels wants to recruit 8,000 construction workers

Brussels construction sector organisation Construcity is aiming to create 8,000 additional construction jobs in the Belgian capital.

The organisation, which promotes durable renovation work, said that this is essential to meet city residents’ increasing demand to renovate their properties in the capital, notably to make them more environmentally efficient.

“The costs of fossil fuels are crushing households and businesses,” said Brussels minister for climate change, environment, energy and participant democracy, Alain Maron.

Indeed, requests for government grants to renovate houses or flats have skyrocketed since February 2022, when the region launched its "Renolution" renovation strategy.

Brussels is aiming to reach the goals of the December 2015 Paris climate agreement signed by 195 parties: notably that all public buildings must be carbon neutral by 2040.

The Brussels regional government also says that, by 2050, private homes should all carry a PEB (energy performance certificate) higher than C+.

To meet these requirements, more construction workers are needed, but it is difficult to find staff.

The sector still suffers from stereotypes, although the industry has invested heavily to offer better employment conditions and to develop new greener technologies.

Indeed, Brussels employment minister Bernard Clerfayt has argued that “Brussels is one of the best cities in terms of eco-construction”.

On 30 August, Construcity therefore also announced that it would be launching a comprehensive communication campaign, comprising posters, videos and social media influencer posts to help attract more people to the trade.

Construction experts and building company bosses will also seek out potential new employees at major Brussels events.