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1. Policy framework

2. Existing arrangements

Policy framework

The recognition of skills gained through volunteering in Luxembourg is structured around a comprehensive policy framework designed to validate and recognise the non-formal and informal learning experiences acquired during volunteer service. This approach not only underscores the value of volunteering in personal and professional development but also aligns with broader educational and employment strategies.

Various policies can be cited:

• The 2007 Law on Youth Voluntary Service and its application. Grand-Ducal Regulation of January 9, 2009, on Youth (règlement grand-ducal du 9 janvier 2009 sur la jeunesse) The National Youth Service is in charge of the recognition procedure
• The Grand-Ducal Regulation of January 11, 2010 (règlement grand-ducal du 11 janvier 2010 portant organisation de la validation des acquis de l'expérience pour la délivrance des brevets, diplômes et certificats prévue au chapitre V de la loi du 19 décembre 2008 portant réforme de la formation professionnelle) the procedure for validating non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l'expérience – VAE).

The combination of national laws like the 2007 Law on Youth Voluntary Service, the VAE process, and European tools such as the Youthpass, Mérite Jeunesse, and Europass creates a robust framework that acknowledges and capitalises on the diverse skills gained through volunteering. This integrated approach facilitates both social inclusion and professional development, empowering young people in Luxembourg to transition smoothly into further education or the workforce with a rich portfolio of recognised skills and experiences.

Existing arrangements

In Luxembourg, there are several initiatives and programs aimed at recognising and validating skills acquired through volunteering. These programs are crucial for acknowledging the contributions of volunteers and aiding them in their professional and personal development. Here are some examples of skills recognition programs in Luxembourg:

Certificate

The 2007 Law on Youth Voluntary Service outlines a framework for youth volunteering that includes measures for skill recognition. The law, supported by its Grand-Ducal regulations, ensures that young volunteers are provided with certificates upon completion of their service, which detail the skills and competencies they have acquired. These certificates are crucial for volunteers as they provide a formal recognition of their non-formal education experiences, which can be instrumental in further education and career pursuits.

According to the Grand-Ducal Regulation of January 9, 2009, on Youth (règlement grand-ducal du 9 janvier 2009 sur la jeunesse), young people who have participated in voluntary activities and who fulfil certain criteria are eligible to receive a certification of engagement (attestation de l'engagement).

To be considered for this certification, young volunteers under the age of 30 must have meet one of the following criteria: 

• Complete a minimum of 400 hours in a project
• Complete a minimum of 3 months in a voluntary service programme
• Participate in a training session of at least 150 hours.

According to the law, the certificate must include the date and duration of the volunteering commitment, the type of engagement, the tasks performed by the young volunteer, the description of achieved qualifications and a general statement describing the type of training. The certificate is signed by the minister in charge of youth policy.

Parallel to the certificate, young people who participated in a Youth voluntary service can take part in the "Soirée de l'Engagement", an annual event organised by the SNJ to recognise and celebrate the contributions of volunteers. This event serves as a formal acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of volunteers who have significantly contributed to various community projects and initiatives throughout the year. It highlights the impact of their efforts on social, cultural, and environmental development within the country. The soirée not only rewards the volunteers but also raises public awareness about the value of volunteering and encourages more people to get involved.

A committee (commission d'attestation) has been introduced by law to advise the minister responsible for youth on the recognition processes of volunteer experience. Its roles include contributing to the development and evaluation of the recognition mechanisms and making proposals for training and promotion related to these mechanisms. The composition of this committee is determined by the Grand-Ducal Regulation of January 9, 2009, on Youth (règlement grand-ducal du 9 janvier 2009 sur la jeunesse).

Validation des Acquis de l'Expérience (VAE)

The Validation des Acquis de l'Expérience (VAE) is another pivotal framework in Luxembourg that allows individuals to gain formal qualifications from their experiences, including volunteer activities. The VAE process evaluates the skills and knowledge acquired through various life experiences against formal educational standards. For volunteers, this means that the skills and practical knowledge gained during their service can potentially lead to qualifications that are recognised across educational and professional fields in Luxembourg.

The Grand-Ducal Regulation of January 11, 2010 (règlement grand-ducal du 11 janvier 2010 portant organisation de la validation des acquis de l'expérience pour la délivrance des brevets, diplômes et certificats prévue au chapitre V de la loi du 19 décembre 2008 portant réforme de la formation professionnelle) defines the validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l'expérience, VAE) and offers an additional means of access to diplomas. The VAE enables individuals to obtain all or part of an educational degree, such as a Secondary Technical Education Diploma, a Master Craftsman Qualification, a Higher Technician Certificate or a University Diploma.

The VAE is applicable to everyone, regardless of age, level of education or professional status. The prerequisite is a minimum of 3 years or 5,000 hours (continuous or not) of paid, unpaid or voluntary work that is directly related to the requested certification.

The applicant must compile a portfolio of their experience and submit it to a validation committee or a qualified panel. The portfolio should provide details of the knowledge, competencies and skills acquired, with concrete examples of tasks performed that are relevant to the requested certification. After reviewing the portfolio, the committee (or panel) conducts an interview with the applicant to further assess their qualifications. The decision of the validation committee or panel can lead to the following scenarios concerning the applicant's request: no validation, partial validation or full validation.

Certificates, diplomas and qualifications obtained through the VAE process are equivalent to those obtained through other traditional methods. Holders of these certificates are awarded the same entitlements.

Youthpass

The Youthpass is a key part of the European framework for non-formal education gained through Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps initiatives. It is a recognized tool that volunteers can use to describe the skills and competencies they have acquired during their service. For Luxembourg volunteers participating in these programs, the Youthpass offers a way to formally document and recognize their learning outcomes, which can be beneficial for future educational pursuits or employment opportunities.

Mérite Jeunesse

The Mérite Jeunesse is Luxembourg's version of the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh's Award. It challenges young people to develop skills in areas such as service, skills development, physical recreation, and adventurous journey. Participants working towards the Mérite Jeunesse gain a wide range of soft and hard skills, which are documented and recognized as part of their personal development. This award is highly valued by educational institutions and employers alike, underscoring the practical and interpersonal skills gained through varied experiences.

Europass

Europass provides a standardised format for individuals to record their skills and qualifications in a way that is easily understood in Luxembourg and across Europe. Volunteers can integrate their Youthpass certificates and other documentation of their skills into their Europass portfolio, enhancing their visibility and employability across borders.

Open Badges: Digital Credentialing for Non-Formal Skills

Open Badges represent a novel approach to credentialing that captures and communicates a learner’s achievements and skills in a digital format. Luxembourg is exploring the integration of Open Badges to formally recognise the non-formal skills young people acquire through volunteering and other informal learning activities. These digital badges could provide a visual representation of skills and achievements, making them easily shareable and verifiable online.

Additional Policy Frameworks

Luxembourg also integrates the recognition of volunteering skills into broader policy initiatives such as the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). These frameworks facilitate the translation and comparison of skills and qualifications across EU countries, enhancing mobility and employability for volunteers.

Furthermore, organisations such as the Agence du Bénévolat and the Service National de la Jeunesse collaborate with educational institutions and employers to ensure that the skills volunteers gain are aligned with market needs and are duly recognised in professional settings.