Involved a lifelong learning process the International Labour Organization (ILO), many of today’s skills won’t match tomorrow’s jobs, and skills acquired today may quickly become obsolete. To face the new challenges and grasp the opportunities of the world of work, more and more adults are getting involved in a lifelong learning process.

In Luxembourg, adult education is a predominant objective. A survey carried out in 2016/17 in all Member States of the European Union reveals that the overall rate of adult participation in lifelong learning in Luxembourg is above the EU average[1].

But what is the offer in adult trainings in the Grand-Duchy? Where can you find information about in-service training? Is it possible to benefit from financial aids?

 A broad spectrum of courses 

The offer in courses for adults is very vast in Luxembourg. They are proposed in the form of seminaries, evening courses, within the framework of university education or the framework of professional certifications.

The Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts (Chambre des Métiers) provides its members with trainings and qualifications in French, German and Luxembourgish in the fields of food, fashion-health-hygiene, mechanics, construction and housing, communications, multimedia, performing arts and artistic professions.  

The House of Training of the Chamber of Commerce offers a large number of training programmes (881) in 20 domains, including business administration, HR, accounting, law, insurances, IT, marketing and communication, real estate, banking and personal development. The trainings are given in French (71%), English (24%), German (4%) and Luxembourgish (1%).

Created in October 2018, the University of Luxembourg Competence Centre is a lifelong learning and adult education entity based on Campus Belval (University of Luxembourg) in Esch-sur-Alzette. It develops and manages adult training programmes that fulfil the requirements of the Luxembourgish labour market. Its principal activities revolve around several pillars, including health, law and finance, ICT and digital skills and digital learning. It also proposes, in partnership with the University of Luxembourg, bachelor and university programmes in various fields.

The Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Center (LLLC) is the continuous vocational training centre of the Chamber of Employees. The objective of its training policy is to enable employees, whatever their level of education, to improve their skills and develop their careers. The LLLC offers general short-term training courses, specialised training and higher education programmes as well as professional certification programmes. Since 2019, the LLLC also has training courses aimed at people aged 60 and up and covering topics such as pension preparation, computers, nutrition and health, art, physical activity or heritage. 

You can find more information on lifelong-learning.lu, the national portal of lifelong learning managed by the National Institute for the Development of Continuous Vocational Training under the supervision of the Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth. It offers an extensive catalogue of more than 9,500 courses provided by 269 training providers and contains useful information about all training assistance schemes.  

Requesting financial support 

Both individuals and companies can benefit from funding assistance for vocational training. 

As an individual, you can deduct the professional development costs from your taxable income provided that they have a direct link to your professional activity. Professional training costs, which cover expenses inducted to gain the knowledge required for a future profession or change of profession, are non-deductible. If you are a job seeker, whether receiving unemployment benefit or not, you may receive support for vocational training under certain conditions. Beware, you must submit your request for support of training before the training starts and pre-finance the total costs of training.

In addition, employees, self-employed people and professionals can request an individual training leave up to 80 days throughout their professional career. The training may not have a direct link to your current position and be held during working hours, in the evenings or at the weekends.

You also can balance your working and training time according to your objectives for developing your skills and to your availability. There are two options available. If you are working in a company with flexible working hours, you may request a personal working time arrangement.  If you are an employee of the private sector with at least two years of service with your employer, regardless of the type of employment contract you have with your company, you may request unpaid training leave.

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