Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in a report received in November 2008 in reply to its previous direct request.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Government indicates in its report that several aspects of vocational training reforms have been in the experimental phase since the beginning of the 2008 school year. The main objectives of the reforms were to raise the quality of lifelong vocational training, improve access to training and provide the persons concerned with education and training, enabling them to integrate more easily into economic and social life. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact of the measures adopted in the context of the vocational training reforms.

2. In its previous direct request, the Committee recalled the link existing between Conventions Nos 88 and 142 (ratified by Luxembourg) and Conventions Nos 122 and 181, with particular reference to the close links that should be established between vocational guidance, vocational training and employment through the public employment services. The Committee notes a communication from the Government received in November 2008, according to which the competent services of the Ministry of Labour and Employment are examining the possibility of ratifying Convention No. 122. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would report any action taken in relation to the possible ratification of Conventions Nos 122 and 181.

3. Articles 3 and 4. Vocational guidance and training throughout life. The Government indicates in its report that the reform of vocational training is leaning towards a global definition of the vocational training system based on the key concept of lifelong education and training. Accordingly, school and vocational guidance have also had to include the provision of high-quality guidance, information and advice throughout life. As from schooling, a portfolio of guidance has been established, allowing the persons concerned to manage their career tracks while receiving relevant information and guidance in the context of lifelong learning. In its report, the Government enumerates the national institutions and sectoral structures active in the field of adult education and training. It also reports a series of support measures for workers wishing to engage in training (training leave, youth leave). The Committee asks the Government to continue supplying information on the application of the new vocational guidance and lifelong training measures for children, young persons, adults and persons with disabilities, including measures to promote the vocational retraining and reintegration into the labour market of older workers.

4. Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3. Information for vocational guidance. In reply to the previous direct request, the Government indicates that a plan of action will be drawn up by the bodies and services responsible for vocational information and guidance with a view to institutionalizing the regular presence of vocational guidance advisors in schools. The Committee invites the Government to describe the contents of the information and guidance provided by vocational guidance advisors and, in particular, to indicate how information is provided on general aspects of collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour law.

5. Article 5. Collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that the new vocational training system is based on a partnership between the State and professional chambers for the analysis and determination of training, guidance and information needs, the development and evaluation of training programmes, and the validation of acquired experience. The Committee notes with interest the biennial surveys undertaken by the Employers’ Federation (FEDIL) in partnership with the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF) Lorraine, the Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Administration and the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training, in the fields of industry, construction and public works, as well as information and communication technology. The results of these surveys will be published in brochures distributed to young persons, their parents, teachers, and school and vocational guidance services. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted to ensure collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations and, as appropriate, other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training.