The Cambodian government together with the UN, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the private sector and youth representatives, conducted a joint field visit to Battambang province on May 18-19 to review progress and strengthen collaboration under phase three of the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia Programme (DEY III).
The visit was co-led by Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and Vladanka Andreeva, UN resident coordinator to Cambodia, along with members of the programme’s steering committee and implementing agencies.
The visit highlighted ongoing joint efforts to enhance workforce skills, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve labour market transitions — critical pillars of Cambodia’s strategy to ensure inclusive and decent employment for youth in Cambodia, according to a joint press release.
At the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT), the delegation observed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments that enable returned migrant workers to get their skills gained from working abroad, certified. The delegation also visited BEEP learning centres supporting low secondary school dropouts through a flexible learning pathway, helping them transition to further education and skills training.
At the National Vocational Institute of Battambang (NVIB), the delegation engaged with local authorities, training providers and young trainees under the TVET 1.5M program, with a particular focus on expanding access for youth from vulnerable backgrounds, including youth with disabilities.
The visit further emphasised efforts to enhance inclusion, particularly for women, youth with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, in line with the program’s commitment to “leave no one behind”.
This field visit reaffirms the government’s strong commitment to expanding skills development and employment opportunities for Cambodian youth, said Sour, adding that that initiatives such as RPL, BEEP and TVET 1.5M are critical to ensuring that returned migrant workers and disadvantaged groups can access formal recognition of their skills, access to formal education and training and transition into better jobs.
He believed that government support for SMEs is essential to generate quality employment, improve productivity and strengthen compliance with labour standards.
Trainees were invited to express their experiences and success stories, in addition to highlighting some of the challenges in implementing the programme, such as a lack of school buildings, accommodation, teaching and learning materials, and student dropouts due to livelihood difficulties, according to the labour ministry.
Andreeva expressed her satisfaction that many citizens, youths and migrant workers have benefited from the TVET program, which has become a source of pride for themselves and their families.
She noted that the day’s presentations and recommendations serve as encouragement to create better inclusion for persons with disabilities, improve training programmes and provide necessary materials so that persons with disabilities can gain access to training opportunities and employment. These issues will be brought to the programme’s steering committee for further discussion,
“Strengthening coordination among government, development partners and the private sector remains key to achieving sustainable and inclusive labour market outcomes,” she added.
Andreeva said the UN is proud to support the Government of Cambodia in advancing inclusive pathways to decent work.
“What we have seen in Battambang demonstrates the power of integrated solutions — linking skills development, employment services and enterprise support — to deliver tangible results for young people, including those who are often left behind,” she said.
Investing in skills means investing in Cambodia’s future, noted by Christian Disler, deputy head of SDC’s Office in Cambodia and that strong partnerships create tangible opportunities for young people and contribute to stronger local economies.
“Through DEY III, we see meaningful progress in strengthening skills development and employment systems that generate sustainable job opportunities for Cambodian youth,” he said.
Switzerland remains committed to supporting Cambodia in building a skilled and competitive workforce.
The steering committee and partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding skills training, SME development, strengthening labour market linkages and creating more decent employment opportunities for Cambodian youth under the DEY III program and beyond.
The programme aims to support more than 30,000 young people — particularly those from vulnerable groups — in accessing skills development, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, while strengthening policies and systems that promote decent work.
Labour minister Heng Sour (right) explains the work of the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT) to visiting delegates. UN in Cambodia