Labour minister Heng Sour (right) meets with ADB executive director Rachel Thompson on vocational skills training for 1.5 million poor and vulnerable youth on February 7. Labour Ministry
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recognises the inauguration of the vocational training programme for 1.5 million youths from impoverished and vulnerable backgrounds as a crucial opportunity for Cambodia’s development and investor attraction.
Rachel Thomson, executive director of ADB, affirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training’s priority areas during a February 6 meeting with minister Heng Sour.
At the meeting, Thomson commended the government for initiating the programme, as reported on the ministry’s social media page.
“Technical training for young people is a key opportunity for Cambodia to develop the country and attract investors who are looking to Southeast Asia,” she was quoted as saying.
She stated that the bank is prepared to continue its support in crucial areas, aiming to further enhance employment, social security and vocational training.
Sour outlined the ministry’s strategic training plan, aligned with the government’s objective of transforming young Cambodians into a vital economic force with specific, standardised skills, enabling them to secure quality employment and enhance their family lives.
Sour also expressed gratitude for the bank’s recognition of the initiative and its ongoing support from the outset.
Tan Monivann, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and president of the Cambodia Automotive Industry Federation (CAIF), noted that the programme was initiated in response to market demands for young people with specific skills.
“Of course, Cambodia has many young people, but there is a lack of vocational training in technical skills, which the labour market demands. I hope that from this year onwards, we will no longer face a shortage of manpower, as this programme will provide human resources with the real skills needed in Cambodia’s priority areas,” he stated.
The government launched the initiative on November 14, 2023. It offers four years of free vocational training along with an additional cash allowance of 280,000 riel ($68.77).
As of February 6, there were 27,210 registrants (9,414 females), including 10,131 in Phnom Penh, 3,374 in Battambang, 1,932 in Siem Reap, 1,079 in Preah Sihanouk, 972 in Kandal and 9,722 from other provinces, as reported by labour ministry spokesperson Katta On on February 7.
