In 2010, the Luxembourg Training Observatory launched a survey ( ) to evaluate the economically-active population’s perception of lifelong learning. Results of this survey were extremely valuable. Of respondents, 90% see continuous training as a solution to improve their skills and increase their working value.

Two of every three people working in Luxembourg recognise the expression ‘lifelong learning’ and more than half agree that lifelong learning is a necessity. Of respondents, 65% think that continuous training is the best way to ensure their career prospects; however, 57% believe their career is guaranteed by good initial training, 55% consider the workplace the best place for learning, ahead of school or daily life.

Only one third of the people surveyed consider that skills gained at school are sufficient to start their working life and to develop it. People with a vocational diploma are more convinced that skills gained at school are sufficient, than people with educational qualifications at A level (or equivalent) or above.

More than half the economically-active population think that continuous training is aimed at people in employment. Continuous training is considered differently depending on the age of respondents and subsequently on their professional backgrounds. People aged between 18 and 24, starting their working lives, consider that continuous training is mainly aimed at people looking for a job. Nine out of 10 people surveyed have already attended a training course either in the context of their job or in their private life. The higher the educational background the greater the number of people attending continuous training.

For half the respondents vocational training should take place both during and outside working hours. Personal commitments in private life are the main obstacles to participating in continuous training outside working hours, and workload is the main obstacle to training during working hours. However, for one third of those in employment there are no obstacles to attending training during working hours. This increases with the size of the organisation. Arrangement of work in large organisations may allow employees to be away from work to attend training more easily.

According to a majority of people surveyed, employees must take the initiative when they want training. They also consider that employees are the ones who directly benefit from continuous training. However, from their point of view, employers should pay for any training.

When looking for information on continuous training, 24% of employees speak to their company training manager. However, 14% do not know whom they should contact for information. People working in Luxembourg are, in the majority (56%), satisfied with the training offered and one in five plans to attend a training course during the 12 months following the survey, in particular language courses (32%).