Cross-border apprenticeship is a concrete example of the European principle of free circulation, which opens up new chances and prospects for young people to broaden their professional and educational horizon, while helping to fight skill shortages. Luxembourg, France and Germany have recently been reinforcing cross-border apprenticeship by concluding bilateral agreements.
On March 13 2018, Rhineland-Palatinate (federal state of Germany) and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg signed a bilateral project agreement on cross-border VET, which was based on a dialogue started in 2016. These agreements give young people new perspectives and contribute to the flow of labour force, contributing to fighting skill shortages and securing sufficient supply of skilled employees on both sides of the border.
As early as October 2017, the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, the French Republic and the Regional Council of Grand EST and DRAAF signed an agreement on cross-border VET, putting in practice the framework agreement on a bilateral level. This agreement allows young pupils from Luxembourg and from Lorraine (region of France) to carry out the theoretical part of their training in one country and the work-based part in a company in a neighbouring country.
These framework agreements promote the attractiveness of dual training and cross-border VET and employment in the Greater Region and contribute to implementing the European Commissions’ recommendations in terms of employment. They constitute an operational framework which promotes professional mobility, fights unemployment, and is included in the Europe 2020 strategy for intelligent, durable and inclusive growth. Currently, more than 150 pupils from Luxembourg are in cross-border VET.
