Province of Limburg invests € 3.6 million in Talent Charter for a healthy labour market

The Province of Limburg is investing € 3.6 million in the Talent Charter, an innovative and intensive approach to addressing the shortage in the Limburg labour market.

This decision was made by the Provincial Executive on April 8. This investment is a response to the increasing imbalance between labour supply and demand and intends to strengthen the region's economic competitiveness. Elianne Demollin-Schneiders (Provincial Executive for Education & Labour Market) emphasises that the financial contribution is essential for the future sustainability of Limburg.

"Limburg has a rich supply of talent, but the labour market shortage poses a major challenge for employers," she says. "With the Talent Charter, we offer a platform where employers, educational institutions, and labour market organisations come together. We ensure that Limburg's talent can optimally contribute to the growth of our region. This is not only good for businesses but also for the residents of Limburg, who can better utilize their talents."

Collaboration for the future

The labour market in Limburg faces multiple challenges. The labour market shortage, with a growing number of vacancies, is exacerbated by a declining working population. It is expected that the Limburg working population will shrink by 2.5% to 10% by 2050. This makes it even more urgent to increase both the quality and quantity of available labour. The Province of Limburg therefore focuses on stronger collaboration between employers, educational institutions, labour market organisations, and trade unions.

The Talent Charter is a partnership in which companies are jointly committed to attracting, developing, retaining, and utilising talent. The Talent Charter is based on the needs of employers and employees and connects existing initiatives and networks. This is possible by leveraging existing knowledge and successful practical examples, to bridge the gap between labour supply and demand.

Strengthening the regional economy

Although the Province of Limburg has no legal tasks in the field of the labour market, it plays a crucial role in boosting initiatives, connecting parties, and facilitating collaboration. "As a province, we are taking concrete steps with the Talent Charter to strengthen the regional economy. We bring parties together and ensure that they have the right resources and networks to be successful," says Elianne Demollin-Schneiders.

The contribution of € 3.6 million is intended to support employers in strategic HR policy, to facilitate (sub)regional initiatives, and to stimulate cooperation between different parties. There is also a lot of attention for lobbying activities at both national and European levels to better serve regional interests.

Optimally utilizing talent

For the residents of Limburg, the Talent Charter means an opportunity to optimally utilize talent. Due to the labour market shortage, workers can more easily access jobs that match their skills and ambitions. At the same time, companies will be given an opportunity to attract and retain talent more quickly and effectively. With this investment, the Province of Limburg is investing in a future-proof (Eu)region where the labour market is better aligned with developments in society, with opportunities for working and learning on both sides of the border.

Elianne Demollin-Schneiders: "With the Talent Charter, the Province of Limburg is taking an important step towards a healthy, future-proof labour market with a trinational focus, where all Limburgers can develop and utilise their talent for the region."

Source: Province of Limburg