Digital Learning Hub and 42 Luxembourg: two pillars of digital technology training

Digital Learning Hub Luxembourg

6,000 registrations (44% from women) and 700 courses organised: since its launch in 2022, the Digital Learning Hub has rapidly established itself as a key reference in the field of digital technology training. Offering face-to-face courses in Esch-Belval, the Digital Learning Hub offers a diverse range of training courses in areas such as programming, blockchain, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, cloud, systems administration, augmented and virtual reality, IT governance and digital design.

The available courses range from individual sessions lasting a few hours to complete learning pathways. This flexible approach enables participants to develop their skills in a progressive way that is tailored to their needs.

The Digital Learning Hub welcomes learners from all backgrounds, offering affordable courses suitable for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced levels. In 2023, the participants were:

• 56% registered at ADEM;
• 26% employed in the private sector;
• 9% public sector employees;
• 7% students;
• 2% applicants/beneficiaries of international protection.

With the demand for IT specialists in Luxembourg constantly on the rise, the Digital Learning Hub plays a crucial role in training the qualified, and even highly qualified, workforce required to meet the needs of the job market. According to a sector study conducted by ADEM, 42% of job vacancies are in the IT sector. This economic sector therefore represents tremendous job opportunities, and the Digital Learning Hub is helping people to retrain (reskilling) quickly and effectively by offering specific, short and accessible training courses.

The Digital Learning Hub has equipped itself with the tools it needs to play an active role in training future digital specialists in Luxembourg and is determined to continue offering high-quality courses to best meet the evolving needs of the job market and the country's digital transformation.

For more information about the Digital Learning Hub Luxembourg and to register for upcoming courses, please visit the official website: www.dlh.lu.

42 Luxembourg

In addition to its regular training activities, the Digital Learning Hub manages 42 Luxembourg, the free and innovative programming school, where 143 students, 17% of them women, started the course on 19 February 2024.

The first 42 school was founded in Paris in 2013 Today, 42 has become an international network with 54 campuses in 31 countries (https://www.42network.org/42-schools/). Its training programme enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to a remarkable track record of a 100% hiring rate for students.

42 operates on the basis of a progressive teaching approach that is becoming increasingly widespread. Moving away from traditional teaching methods, 42 Luxembourg has no teachers, no courses and no classes. Project-based and self-directed learning, as well as peer-to-peer exchange, are the main pillars of 42's pedagogy.

Gamification builds the structure of the training programme at 42, which means that students do not progress in years of study, but in levels from 1 to 21 (like in a game). Each level increases in difficulty and builds on the knowledge acquired in the previous level. In addition, the 42 programme is divided into two parts: the core curriculum and the second part. The core curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of programming, while the second part covers more specific areas of computing, such as web development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and so on.

Each student works and progresses in their own way and at their own pace. That's why the campus is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing students to manage their time as they see fit. As a result, the length of the course depends on the individual's commitment to the programme. In general, the core curriculum is completed within 8 to 18 months.

To join the programme, you need to go through the Piscine. This is an intense four-week trial period during which the candidate is confronted with various programming projects. The Piscine, like the programme itself, requires a considerable personal investment. So as well as giving an idea of what to expect, it aims to test each person's level of motivation and determination. At the same time, this is a way for the individual to determine whether this method of learning is right for them.

The next Piscines to integrate 42 Luxembourg will start on 8 July 2024 and 2 September 2024. Registration is open via the website: https://42luxembourg.lu/.

At the end of his visit, Minister Claude Meisch expressed his appreciation of the success of the digital technology courses offered at both DLH and 42 Luxembourg: "The discussions with the students and staff were very rewarding. The highly specialised courses offered at DLH enable the economic sector to maintain the skills and qualifications of its staff at the highest level. With 42 Luxembourg, we have also succeeded in rounding out our educational landscape by offering an innovative model that encourages independent learning, teamwork and problem-solving rather than the formal transmission of knowledge."

Press release by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth