Labour minister Heng Sour speaks at a gathering with factory workers on November 11. STPM
The Ministry of Labour and vocational Training is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 18 private sector associations on November 11. The move aims to secure internship opportunities for students embarking on new training courses.
The partner groups include the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA) and the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), among others.
Labour minister Heng Sour detailed the ministry’s efforts in revamping the competency-based curriculum for 38 skills focusing on practical work modules and the development of soft skills conducive to teamwork and job satisfaction, on November 7.
He stated that the ministry has established enrolment mechanisms and conditions via nurseries and digital programs, enhancing convenience, speed, modernity and efficiency.
He noted that clear priorities have been set for the subsidisation of students during the training period.
“The ministry’s working group has crafted a vocational training program that includes night and weekend shifts, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays, to offer workers flexible attendance options,” he explained.
Keo Mom, president of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA), expressed the group’s enthusiasm for collaborating with the government to develop high-quality resources on November 8.
“We are eager to partner with the government to offer employment and internship opportunities to our youth, enabling them to gain essential life skills for their livelihoods. Given the shortage of skilled labour, the government’s objective is commendable and well-suited to current needs,” she stated.
Prime Minister Hun Manet stated at a November 7 meeting with workers in Preah Sihanouk province that with the well-being and care of the populace as a priority, the government views job creation as a fundamental service for the people.
“To enhance the benefits for our citizens, we must ensure three key elements: peace and stability, the implementation of policies including those related to economic openness, effective diplomacy and ending conflicts, as well as improved connectivity and human resource development,” he stated.
“Therefore, it is essential that we collaborate to preserve the successes of the past and strive to surpass them, thereby passing on an even greater legacy to future generations,” he added.
The vocational training program, aimed at assisting youths from low-income and vulnerable families as well as about 1.5 million workers, is set to commence on November 14.
This will be in conjunction with the announcement of the National Social Security Fund’s (NSSF) implementation of a voluntary health care contribution scheme for self-employed individuals and the dependents of NSSF members, as per the ministry.
