Technological developments have always reshaped the world of work. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is set to profoundly change the daily lives of many professionals.
While the technology has great potential, it cannot be integrated into the heart of the company, at the level of operational processes, without the human element. On the one hand, employees need to master these tools to enhance their employability. On the other hand, every organisation needs to equip itself with the right skills if it is to reap the benefits of technology. "The labour market is changing at breakneck speed. The introduction of AI at the heart of businesses is creating new needs," explains Mélanie Archen, Executive Officer at the Centre National de Formation Continue au Luxembourg (CNFPC). Continuing vocational training plays an essential role in the development of skills and talents, enabling employees and jobseekers to acquire new skills, organisations to strengthen their competitiveness and to encourage the retention of talent by offering opportunities for growth and professional development."
The labour market is changing at breakneck speed. The introduction of AI at the heart of businesses is creating new needs
Training focused on AI
To accompany this transformation and support the competitiveness of Luxembourg companies, the Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth has entrusted the CNFPC with the implementation of a new professional training format under the name "SkillsBridges". "The aim is to support employees and jobseekers in their professional development, skills upgrading (upskilling) and retraining (reskilling), particularly in key areas such as AI", adds Mélanie Archen.
These training courses, developed as part of a European project, are available free of charge. The idea is not just to develop technical skills linked to the technology or to make it more accessible, but to enable everyone to take ownership of the digital solutions available on the market, to integrate them effectively into their day-to-day professional lives, and thus free up time for tasks with higher added value, maximising their performance and contributing to the organisation's competitiveness.
A pragmatic approach
We wanted to offer innovative and pragmatic programmes," comments Pierre Gillet, Head of Digital Skills Training at the CNFPC. For example, one of the courses is aimed at administrative teams. In it, learners discover how AI tools can support them on a day-to-day basis and enable them to become more efficient. We provide them with support throughout the implementation of a concrete project for their company, giving them the opportunity to directly apply the skills they have learned and to ensure that they are put into practice in an effective and sustainable way. In this way, they return to the company with a project already deployed, becoming ambassadors for AI within their organisation, armed with their first experience."
Alongside this training, which concerns a large number of professionals in Luxembourg, the CNFPC has implemented an AI skills development programme aimed at decision-makers. "Over and above the issues involved in deploying AI in companies, the aim is to enable managers to discover the possibilities offered by the technology to facilitate decision-making or improve operational processes," continues Pierre Gillet.
Supporting the "future of work
While technical skills, such as mastery of AI or data science, are essential, they are not enough on their own to guarantee the successful integration of these technologies into the world of work. Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, are just as crucial in ensuring that AI, technology and people co-exist harmoniously and effectively," says Mélanie Archen. They make it possible to strengthen the complementarity between human capabilities and technological tools. While AI can perform repetitive, complex and analytical tasks with remarkable speed and precision, humans remain indispensable in areas such as ethical decision-making, creativity, intuition and managing human relationships."
AI, although extremely powerful, is not without environmental impact. That's why the CNFPC has incorporated the theme of Green IT & AI into its training courses.
In this context, skills such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution and change management are becoming even more strategic. Employees and jobseekers need to be able to understand and collaborate with technologies in a fluid way, while guaranteeing a human and ethical vision of decision-making processes, in order to prepare well-rounded professionals who can navigate effectively in technological environments while retaining a strong human dimension.
AI, while extremely powerful, is not without environmental impact," adds Pierre Gillet. That's why the CNFPC has incorporated the Green IT & AI theme into its training courses. In this way, we train our students not only to master technological tools, but also to use them ethically and responsibly."
Training data scientists
Another course involves developing data science skills. Data scientists are responsible for analysing massive data and formulating strategic recommendations to help companies make informed decisions," explains Pierre Gillet. Their job also involves designing and implementing predictive models and algorithms, using advanced data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. They play a key role in the digital transformation of businesses by providing valuable insights, enabling faster, more accurate decision-making based on concrete data."
Initial training is not enough to meet future needs in this area. Continuing professional education must therefore play its full role. That's why the CNFPC has developed specialised courses in machine learning, big data and artificial intelligence algorithms, to train experts capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges.
Collaborative teaching
This range of courses, which is unique in Luxembourg, meets the highest quality standards. It is distinguished in particular by a teaching approach based on collaboration and experiential learning. Far from traditional training courses that focus mainly on theory, we have opted for a dynamic, engaging and inspiring approach that encourages the practical application of knowledge," continues Mélanie Archen. Learners are encouraged to work together, share their knowledge and tackle concrete issues through real-life case studies."
What's more, all CNFPC trainers are certified in teaching by the French Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, a guarantee of quality and expertise in supporting learners. This certification guarantees a high level of teaching, adapted to the specific needs of each individual and to the challenges of the job market. "All the trainers, experts in their respective fields, combine technical expertise with a mastery of modern teaching methods, creating a dynamic and effective learning environment. What's more, they all have professional experience relevant to the expertise they share," concludes Mélanie Archen.
In this way, the CNFPC is helping to train the professionals of tomorrow.
Written by (Lecturer | Head of Digital Skills Training) et (Attachée à la direction),