New Work: Lifelong Learning Centre

For half a century, lifelong learning has been one of the main endeavours of the Chambre des salariés du Luxembourg (CSL). So much so that the Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Centre, the CSL's training centre, has become a real reference in the field. To understand this success, we have to go back 50 years. "It all began in September 1971, when the Chamber of Commerce, well aware of the economic and technological developments, decided to launch its first evening course in business information technology", explains Carlo Frising, Deputy Director of the Chamber of Employees. The course became a success and in 1986, with the help of the two national trade unions, the Chamber set up the Institute for Economic and Social Training (IFES), whose aim was to better prepare employee representatives for their tasks.

A pioneer in university lifelong learning

The year 1996 marked a turning point in the history of the CSL. "Thanks to a partnership with the University of Nancy 2, we were able to offer a DESS, the equivalent of a bachelor's degree, in Luxembourg. CSL thus positioned itself as a true pioneer in the organisation of higher education in lifelong learning", recalls the Deputy Director. During the 25 years that followed, CSL established partnerships with many renowned universities, thus enabling employees to progress within the company and to meet the growing demand for lifelong learning with a diploma. Today, 13 university courses are offered and over 5,500 registrations have been recorded in 25 years.

It was not until 2003 that the Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Centre was created, and in 2009 the Chamber of Employees, which was born from the merger of the Chamber of Private Employees and the Chamber of Labour. "Over time, we have considerably expanded our offer, providing ever more rewarding training courses", says Carlo Frising. "I would like to highlight the course leading to the Diploma of Access to University Studies (DAEU) that started in 2011. It offers employees the possibility of accessing higher education in France, as if they had the traditional BAC. In 2015, thanks to the consolidation of the partnership with the University of Luxembourg, the LLLC further expanded its lifelong learning offer, with a Bachelor in Computer Science and a Bachelor in Social and Educational Sciences."

The Lifelong Learning Centre, which has been based in Bonnevoie since 2018, has continued to expand its offer by proposing, among other things, courses to retired and elderly people that they can follow at their own pace and that meet their needs. "Starting this year, we are offering the University Diploma (DU) in Yoga. This is a course that fits in perfectly with one of the principles guiding the LLLF, namely the desire to offer courses that contribute to the well-being of employees. In 50 years, more than 250,000 registrations have been recorded", emphasises Carlo Frising. Another feature of the new school year is that evening courses, which account for almost 60% of the training on offer, are being expanded with the introduction of five new training profiles, particularly in the field of IT.

Training as a driving force for social links

The year 2020, shaken up by the health crisis, also marked a turning point for the LLLC, which saw its mode of operation completely overturned. "The Covid crisis, as devastating as it was, has at least enabled us to considerably accelerate our digital transformation. Although distance learning has been a real salvation in responding to the problems linked to the crisis, we still consider that our training centre has a real social vocation and that it is essential to maintain this physical link between all the stakeholders. The majority of those who have enrolled are delighted to be able to return to the centre", says Carlo Frising.

Although lifelong learning has been a true success story, Luxembourg still has some catching up to do compared to some of its European neighbours. "Training makes a major contribution to Luxembourg's skills needs. However, at present, there is no law obliging companies in the country to give their employees time for training, as is the case in France, for example. It is time for a complete overhaul of the training system in Luxembourg, in particular by enshrining the Droit Individuel à la Formation (DIF) in law. This would give all employees the power to train freely. It would be a major step forward for the sector", says Carlo Frising.