The Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation has adopted the decrees guaranteeing the funding of virtual companies for the 2025-2026 school year, thereby confirming its support for a recognised teaching scheme in vocational secondary education.
Established in schools for more than twenty years, this scheme allows pupils to gain practical training in the realities of the working world by simulating the running of a virtual company within their school. Purchasing, sales, accounting, human resources, communication and taxation: pupils develop key skills in a simulated but realistic environment, closely connected to a national and international network.
For the 2025-2026 school year, 52 schools will run this scheme, including two new schools, reflecting growing interest in the initiative. Three schools will run two virtual companies. To support these projects, a grant of €2,000 is awarded to the schools involved, for a total amount of €110,000.
In total, €150,000 is being mobilised to ensure the continuity of the scheme, without creating any new expenditure. The funding relies on the redeployment of existing credits, within the budget envelope of the programme dedicated to enhancing technical and vocational education.
This decision guarantees the stability of a teaching tool valued by schools and pupils alike.
“Simulating the real conditions of a company allows pupils to engage very concretely with the realities of the working world, developing skills useful for their entry into the job market and the rest of their career, while remaining within a school setting. By guaranteeing the continuity of this scheme for 2025-2026, we are supporting practical, forward-looking vocational education”, concludes Valérie Glatigny, Minister of Education.