(L-R) Claude Cardoso, Chamber of Employees; Muriel Morbé, Chamber of Commerce; Claude Meisch, Luxembourg's Minister; Tom Wirion, Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts; Paul Marceul, Chamber of Agriculture; Credit: MENJE

On Monday 26 January 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Education, Children and Youth reported that from the start of the 2026/2027 school year, graduates holding certain diplomas will have the opportunity to complete a vocational training programme in one year, leading to a Diplôme d’aptitude professionnelle (DAP).

In order to receive a DAP, applicants must hold a Diplôme de fin d’études secondaires classiques or générales or a Diplôme de technicien or an equivalent qualification.

During a press conference, Luxembourg's Minister of National Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, presented the new programmes, known as 1re DAP. Representatives from the Chamber of Employees, Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Trades and Chamber of Agriculture also attended the event, having contributed to the development and implementation of the initiative.

These new programmes target young graduates as well as students who already attend higher education and wish to acquire practical skills in a specific profession.

According to the ministry, the programme is aimed at participants who wish to build the competencies required for a defined occupation within one year, allowing for a faster entry into working life by holding both a secondary education diploma and a DAP.

The qualification also aims to provide access to further training opportunities, including technician training, technical higher education studies and, in skilled trades, the master craftsman qualification.

From the 2026/2027 school year, seven 1re DAP programmes will be available, featuring: beautician; carpenter; machining technician; cook; qualified logistics manager; pastry chef, chocolate maker, confectioner, ice-cream maker; and nursery and landscape gardener.

Furthermore, the ministry noted that it plans to expand the range of programmes in the coming years.

The DAP programmes normally last three years. They include practical and technical modules related to the chosen profession, as well as general modules (languages, sport and civic education).

The ministry highlighted that the new diploma, awarded after the 1re DAP, meets the same quality requirements and provides the same qualifications and professional skills as the traditional document, as students must complete the same final integrated project (PIF) as all other DAP candidates.

The ministry added that educators have adapted the teaching approach and content to students who already hold a diploma and can follow higher-level instruction. The 1re DAP also includes company placements, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the working world.

Courses will begin on 15 September 2026 and will take place at the National Centre for Continuing Vocational Training (Centre National de Formation Professionnelle Continue - CNFPC) in Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck, as well as at the Lycée Technique Agricole (LTA) in Gilsdorf for the nursery and landscape gardener programme. Depending on the chosen programme, students will follow “an intensive timetable” of 35 to 40 hours per week.

The 1re DAP forms part of the Shape Your Future initiative, launched in 2025 to promote vocational training.

Pre-registration opened on Monday 26 January 2026, with further information available via https://men.public.lu/fr/grands-dossiers/formation-professionnelle/premiere-dap.html.