On Tuesday, the Chamber of Deputies approved a reform aimed at modernising the training for the master craftsman certificate (Brevet de Maîtrise), often a key requirement for those wishing to run or manage a craft business in Luxembourg. The objective is to make the programme broader, more flexible, and more accessible.
MP and rapporteur Barbara Agostino of the Democratic Party (DP) explained that one of the main changes concerns the structure of the programme. She stated that instead of the current 31 separate certificates, each aligned with a specific trade, the new approach will consolidate them into around 15 certificates grouped by activity domains. These domains are based on teaching activities with shared characteristics, according to Agostino.
Agostino also provided further details, noting that the training will be restructured into two learning components: a general business management and pedagogical module common to all sectors (consisting of five modules), and a sector-specific component focused on technology and professional practice. Additionally, the requirement for one year of professional experience will be removed and learners who successfully complete the programme will also be reimbursed for the training costs, she noted.
While most opposition parties welcomed the reform, with the exception of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), some expressed concerns about its scope.
MP Francine Closener of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), for instance, criticised the lack of deeper reform. She said her party does not understand why this opportunity was not used to elevate the master craftsman certificate to the CLQ6 level – equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
She further said that both the Chamber of Employees and the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts support this upgrade, pointing out that countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have already made this change. She added that Luxembourg’s training is equally demanding and deserves the same recognition.
There are around 8,600 companies and 105,000 jobs in the craft sector across Luxembourg.
The Chamber also passed favourable conditions for around 400 police officers: a law recognising their qualifications will allow them to be reclassified from salary group C1 to B1. This unanimous decision was seen as resolving a long-standing injustice.
MP Stéphanie Weydert of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), who reported on the law, explained that the issue had caused confusion for some time, particularly regarding police career paths. She noted that the officers in question have been permanently employed since 2018 and already held the necessary diplomas to enter the B1 career track.
However, they were unable to benefit automatically from the provisions introduced in the 2018 Police Act, she explained.
The reclassification will be applied retroactively to 1 August 2018, ensuring that the officers concerned do not lose out financially.
This measure will cost the state approximately €42.5 million through the end of 2023, with an additional €9.2 million annually from 2024 onwards.
