Need for staff in Antwerp hotel sector is high

Job fair brings employers and jobseekers together

The first job fair for the hotel sector took place on 1 June at the Lindner Hotel in Antwerp. The fair, an initiative of VDAB, the Antwerp Hotel Association and AP Hogeschool, brought more than 100 jobseekers into contact with dozens of hotels looking for staff. The need for workers in the sector is great: more than 1,400 vacancies have been received in Antwerp alone over the past 12 months.

The job fair offered vacancies for various positions, from receptionist to room staff, from kitchen staff to waiters. There are also opportunities for those without experience in the hospitality industry. "Not everyone can be in the kitchen, but for room staff, anyone can apply and learn the language on the shop floor," said Veerle Van Damme, manager at VDAB.

Peter Nuiten, director of the Antwerp Hotel Association, stresses that Dutch is not a requirement for most positions. "If candidates can speak English, they are already more than welcome with us," says Nuiten. "And if there is a click today, things can move fast."

The job fair was received with enthusiasm by both employers and jobseekers. Stella, a Romanian looking for a new job, was very satisfied. "I made many appointments here and now get to do a trial internship in 3 hotels," said Stella. "I am very happy with this opportunity."

The organisers of the job fair are pleased with the turnout and positive reactions. "This fair was a great success," says Veerle Van Damme. "We were able to reach a lot of people and hopefully find some new employees for the hotel sector."

Due to the success of the first edition, a sequel is definitely planned. "We are already looking at the possibilities of organising this again in the future," said Peter Nuiten.

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