
During a trip to Luxembourg commemorating the 100 years of the Chamber of Employees, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit visited the country’s innovative GTB/PAR Competence Centres.
The role of competence centres in skills development
These centres play a crucial role in improving the skills of employees in the construction sector, which is experiencing many rapid changes in the green and digital transitions. The centres’ training courses help workers to stay up to date with their changing tasks and discover new areas of their jobs. They also help young people and job seekers find employment.
Commissioner Schmit toured the facilities of the Krakelshaff Training Centre in Bettembourg and spoke with entrepreneurs, trainers and workers about the progress made in vocational training and skills development.
Reflecting on past achievements and growth
This visit was especially meaningful, as it marked the Commissioner’s return to a project that he ardently supported as Luxembourg's Minister of Labour in 2015. Over the years, the number of participants has risen from just 108 in November 2016 to an impressive 58,000 by December 2023.
Commissioner Schmit stated: ‘It is a pleasure to see how this innovative training centre is thriving. It is an excellent initiative by the construction sector to offer relevant, good quality training courses to their workers and potential future employees. This cooperation is especially relevant for SMEs that are numerous in this sector.’
The impact of ESF+ funding
The visit also highlighted the role of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) in financing such training initiatives, with the Competence Centres set to receive €375 000 in ESF+ funding between 2023 and 2025.
These funds are part of a larger commitment from the ESF+ in Luxembourg, including the "Update cours du soir" project, poised to receive €287 000 over the same period. This project is designed to continuously adapt training to rapidly changing market needs.
Over a third of Luxembourg's ESF+ programme will support training focused on green and digital skills. Commissioner Schmit's visit and this sustained backing from ESF+ funding reflect Luxembourg's dedication to upskilling its workforce, aligning with the European Year of Skills and helping the country transition towards a more digital and greener economy.