DistantNews
Support us
🇧🇪 Belgium /Good News

Belgian Defence launches Reboot4You in Genk to give young people without diplomas a second chance

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources New plan
  • Belgian Defence has launched Reboot4You, a six-month program for 18- to 25-year-olds without diplomas or steady employment.
  • Participants begin with four weeks of military-style training, followed by vocational training, placements and coaching.
  • The program aims to help participants secure permanent jobs, while Defence says recruitment is not its main purpose.

For young people in Genk without a diploma or stable work, the military is offering structure without weapons or enlistment. Belgium’s Defence department has launched Reboot4You, a six-month program designed to help participants move toward permanent employment.

The program targets people aged 18 to 25 and begins with four weeks in a barracks. From Monday to Friday, participants take part in activities such as map reading and drill, learn how Defence operates, and work with coaches. They are not soldiers and do not carry weapons.

Although the participants do not carry weapons and are not soldiers, they stay in the barracks from Monday to Friday during these weeks.

— Colonel Pierre VidtsVidts explained how the program’s initial military-style phase differs from military service.

Colonel Pierre Vidts says the first phase focuses on structure, teamwork and daily routine. Participants learn to work together, get up on time and fill their days with purposeful activities instead of spending all their time on their phones. Moving them into a safe, protected environment can bring relief, he said.

Teamwork is also very important. During those first four weeks, we do everything together. We teach the young people to work in teams again and to do things together.

— Colonel Pierre VidtsHe described the program’s emphasis on cooperation and rebuilding social and workplace skills.

After the military introduction, participants complete two to six weeks of practical training with private-sector partners. They can choose training as a construction technician, welder or assistant cook. Those who already hold a category B driving licence can also pursue category C and D licences.

The program then includes several weeks of work at a barracks, in areas such as kitchens, logistics or infrastructure, followed by about six weeks at a company. Coaches support participants throughout. The goal is for them to finish the six months with a permanent contract, potentially including a job with Defence. Vidts stressed that the project is intended as an integration program, not primarily as a recruitment drive.

It is really an integration project to help young people move toward a more stable situation and, if possible, a permanent job.

— Colonel Pierre VidtsVidts clarified that the initiative’s main aim is employment and integration rather than recruiting soldiers.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog