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Employment and jobs

Working at a factory in Luxembourg

Forget the stereotypical factory image; here, a diverse team keeps things running. From the highly skilled technicians operating cutting-edge machinery to the production workers ensuring precision on the assembly line, each role is crucial.

Last time updated
13.11.24

We will explore the fundamental aspects of factory work, detailing the required training and skills for a production worker. Additionally, we'll shed light on the diverse positions available, the demand for production workers in Luxembourg, avenues for job seekers, typical salaries, and the necessary documentation for foreigners looking to embark on a career in this dynamic sector.

What is the demand for production workers in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg, with its diverse industries, consistently presents a high demand for production workers, making this profession advantageous due to abundant job opportunities.

Some statistics

To assess the demand for these roles in Luxembourg, a sectoral study by the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) spanning from 2015 to 2020 sheds light on the outlook for production worker positions.

According to the study, manual assembly workers are the most sought-after, constituting 6.6% of the demand in the industrial sector. Machine operators follow closely, ranking third with a demand share of 3.4%.

Screenshot 2024-03-30 at 2.56.20 PM.png
Source: ADEM
6.6%
of the demand corresponds to manual assembly workers
3.4%
of the demand corresponds to machine operators

What does factory work consist of?

Factory work encompasses a diverse range of roles, ranging from production workers to skilled technicians, team leaders, engineers, managers, and even the factory director. This article will focus on the often underappreciated, yet crucial roles commonly grouped under the title of production workers.

Production workers operate in an industrial setting, typically on assembly or production lines. Positioned at the beginning of the production line, they work under the supervision of a production manager.

Depending on the company's structure, production workers may be responsible for one or multiple stages of production, such as packaging, assembly, manufacturing, preparation, or inspection. In their designated areas, these workers execute highly specific tasks, following protocols and instructions outlined in their job descriptions.

Roles and Responsibilities
Work Environment
Pros and cons
Rapid professional advancement
Opportunities for learning new techniques and skills improvement
Strong team dynamics fostered by collaborative teamwork
High employability with minimal risk of unemployment
Repetitive and sometimes uninspiring tasks
Physically demanding tasks with challenging pacing
Exposure to noise or unpleasant odors, depending on the industry

Training and skills required to work at production

To some extent, the qualifications sought by recruiters depend on the industry in which the production worker operates and the specifics of the position they are to undertake.

How to become a factory worker?

In certain specific sectors and for particular roles, recruiters may require a level of education equivalent to high school, valuing the candidate's experience and motivation.

Initial training
Continuous training and specialization

In addition to formal education, a production worker must possess multiple skills and competencies, many developing throughout training and experience.

These usually include, but not limited to
Safety standards
Due to the numerous hazards on production lines, workers must comply with imposed safety regulations
Hygiene standards
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards is crucial, especially in industries involved in food production
Physical endurance
Work requires the ability to keep up with the pace of an assembly line, and workers may need to carry heavy loads
Precision
Rigor and precision are essential in adhering to instructions and quality standards
Vigilance
Production workers must be highly vigilant to detect any machinery malfunctions or defects, to prevent significant consequences
Teamwork
Capable of working effectively in a team, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operations are highly encouraged as skills for workers
Time management
The ability to manage work time efficiently and meet deadlines are needed at almost any work place, but especially here
Stress resistance
The ability to stay focused are important, given the demanding nature, which may require working quickly

Production workers in Luxembourg combine formal education, on-the-job training, and diverse skills to ensure that manufacturing processes run seamlessly in various industry sectors. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential to thrive in this dynamic and essential field of work.

What types of positions can be found in this area?

Industrial production includes a variety of jobs, often referred to as production operators or industrial laborers.

We will explore several distinct roles within the field of industrial production
Production operator
Overseeing and managing the manufacturing process to ensure product quality and the smooth operation of the production line. Typically positioned upstream in the production line, the operator works on specific machines, ensuring their proper function in terms of efficiency, safety, and hygiene.
Borer
A workshop machining technician working on metal pieces, individually or in series. Focuses on finishing previously drilled holes and refining metal tubes or cylinders. Precision is key, adhering strictly to the cutting plan. Operates specific machine tools, including CNC machines.
Sandblaster
Conducts sandblasting and surface treatment operations on industrial parts, using various techniques tailored to different materials. Techniques include preparing parts through stripping, applying coatings for surface treatment, and finishing through polishing.
Extruder
Works with machines such as extruders or injection presses, transforming raw materials like plastic or rubber into finished products.
Coiler
Transforms a large main coil, several meters wide, into secondary coils according to the customer's requested length.
Sheet metal worker
Constantly working with metal, the sheet metal worker engages in layout, cutting, shaping through bending, and assembly. Utilizes both digital machines and hand tools, specializing in spare parts.
Boilermaker
Works with metals like iron, brass, copper, and lighter alloys such as aluminum to manufacture parts of specified shapes. Utilizes hand or mechanical tools like guillotines, press brakes, or rolling machines. Traces, cuts, drills, shapes, and assembles sheets.
TIG welder
Performs metal assemblies based on received instructions, creating welds for mechanical assemblies or products from boilermaking or piping. The TIG welder conducts final welds, guiding different parts on a plate, tubes, or profiles. This activity is increasingly automated.
Lathe operator
Operates a manual or CNC lathe that manufactures metal parts used in mechanical construction. Manages tooling, analyzes, performs assembly, and programs the machining of the piece. Primarily works with metal but may occasionally involve plastic or other composite materials.
Milling machine operator
Crafting mechanical parts individually or in series on traditional or CNC machines, following plans meticulously to meet deadlines and given instructions. Interprets blueprints accurately, utilizing corresponding tools and adjusting machine parameters.
Show all

Where to find a job as a production worker?

If you're looking for a career in industry and are wondering where to find factory jobs in Luxembourg, we'll answer your questions, explore the major job boards, and highlight major companies in Luxembourg that are actively recruiting production workers.

Job portals

For a comprehensive exploration of the job market, the internet serves as the prime resource, hosting numerous employment portals with thousands of job listings. These platforms enable users to filter job offers based on desired sector, location, education level, or required work experience.

International job search
Among the international portals are eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.
Job platforms for Luxembourg
For local opportunities in Luxembourg, prominent portals include jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, and moovijob.com. Each portal offers a unique set of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your job search to your preferences and career goals.

Luxembourg establishments recruiting production workers

In Luxembourg, numerous industries actively seek production workers for diverse positions, including millers, binders, sheet metal workers, welders, turners, and more. However, it's common for companies to fill these roles through temporary employment agencies rather than direct hiring. This practice makes it less practical to target specific companies, as they often don't directly advertise such positions.

The use of temporary agencies for these roles is prevalent due to the fluctuating demand for production workers. Seasonal variations, project-based needs, and the nature of industrial production contribute to this dynamic. While this approach provides flexibility for companies, it may pose challenges for workers seeking long-term stability.

Noteworthy temporary employment agencies in Luxembourg that frequently recruit production workers include:

Advantages and disadvantages of working with the agencies to consider
Temporary roles offer adaptability in work schedules and project durations
Workers can gain exposure to various projects and industries
Working on different assignments enhances professional connections
Temporary positions often involve diverse tasks, fostering skill growth
Temp workers may face uncertainties about continuous employment
Temporary positions often lack comprehensive benefits compared to permanent roles
Income can fluctuate based on project availability and duration
Temp workers may have less control over their assignments and project choices

What is the salary of production workers in Luxembourg?

Determining a singular salary range for production workers in Luxembourg is challenging due to the diverse roles within this field, where experience significantly influences earnings. For a general overview, we can refer to Paylab, which provides salary ranges for various positions in industrial production in Luxembourg.

Average wages in factory in Luxembourg
RoleMinimum (euros)Maximum (euros)
Packer1,6003,917 
Machine Operator1,8073,887 
Foundry worker1,8734,105 
Metalworker2,3394,754 
Cutter/Grinder/Polisher2,339 4,907 
Milling-Machine Operator2,384 5,049 
Turner2,410 4,945 
Machine Setter2,696 5,320 
Welder2,7075,312 
CNC Machine Setter2,9935,135
Wage to count on

Usually, factory workers in Luxembourg recieve from 1,600 to 5,000 euros roughly. This wage is based on the calculations of the job portal.

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

For European nationals, the process of working in Luxembourg is relatively straightforward, given the freedom to live and work in any European country. However, if you are not a European national, navigating the paperwork becomes essential.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include:
Collect the documents
These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Two fully completed Schengen visa application forms
Two recent identical passport photos
A copy of the passport
Proof of accommodation
An employment contract
Payment of the applicable visa fee
Collect the documents
These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Work
Documents
Visa
Read more about the process of obtaining work visa to Luxembourg
Work permit in Luxembourg
faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of jobs are available for production workers in Luxembourg?

What does factory work in Luxembourg typically involve?

What qualifications and skills are required for production workers in Luxembourg?

What is the demand for production workers in Luxembourg?

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