New rules for Flemish educational leave have been in effect since September 1, 2026.
Impact on refrigeration and freezing companies:
❌ Material handling (forklift, reach truck), ADR, and Code 95 → removed from the training database as of August 1, 2026
✅ Energy and climate transition, digitalization, and WMS; Dutch for non-Dutch-speaking teams → eligible
🕐 Weekend and part-time shifts (starting at 50%) are once again allowed—relevant for any company that operates 7 days a week
💶 €24.50 per approved hour, up to €6,125 per employee through the collective initiative right
Please note: The subsidy does not cover the cost of replacement in a cold storage facility. Legally required certificates may also be excluded from the program—check the ODB number before you begin.
📄 The full memo from the secretariat, including figures and action items, is attached.