Source: NBB, Social Balance Sheet globalisation
The chemicals and life sciences industry in Belgium is an innovative, high-tech sector which invests heavily in research and development. This requires a workforce with above average skills, making it material for the industry to report on its employees’ qualifications.
41% of employees in the chemicals, plastics and life sciences industry have a higher-level degree (university or college level education) – considerably more than in the manufacturing sector as a whole in Belgium (26% in 2019). This ratio has remained stable for the last seven years.
Approximately 40% of the employees completed higher secondary education, mainly in STEM-related disciplines. This provides them with specialised skills required to fill vital positions such as process operator or maintenance technician.
The ageing of the sector’s workforce combined with its steady growth and continuous innovation means there is a constant need for highly trained staff. The sector therefore strongly advocates for modern STEM-education for children and students, invests resources in numerous STEM-projects and promotes actively new teaching methods such as dual learning.
