Insights and inspiration for project professionals

On September 2, 2025, during our latest Lunch & Learn webinar, PMI Belgium had the opportunity to connect with VDAB and learn more about the valuable work our volunteers are doing there.

VDAB shared their mission and working principles: how they support unemployed people in finding new opportunities, and how they help employers connect with talent. Through guidance, training, and job placement, VDAB plays a vital role in bridging skills and careers.

PMI Belgium’s Contribution: A Practical Workshop

PMI Belgium developed an online workshop spread over three evenings, introducing participants to the fundamentals of project management.

• The course explains the main steps of a project: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Close-out.
• The storyline “Celebrating 1000 Years of Happy Town” gives students a playful but practical exercise to apply the theory.
• By the end of the course, participants gain a clear understanding of what project management is and can reflect on whether this could be their new professional path. Those who wish to go further can continue with advanced training offered by specialist companies.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are now looking for volunteers to support and grow this initiative:

• VDAB Coordinator: manage the partnership, oversee scheduling and instructors, liaise with VDAB, and ensure smooth program delivery.
• Project Management Trainer: deliver our online project management basics course (three evenings per group), with assistant support and pre-training provided.

Because this program is delivered in collaboration with VDAB and aimed at job seekers in Flanders, strong knowledge of Flemish/Dutch is essential for both roles.

For an overview of these and other open roles, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

By volunteering, you not only contribute to empowering job seekers but also gain valuable experience, expand your network, and strengthen PMI Belgium’s role in society.

 

 

Geert Cloostermans
Director of Academic & Educational Outreach NL, PMI Belgium Chapter