Labour minister Heng Sour speaks with poor and vulnerable youths who are receiving state-funded technical and vocational training at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC) on January 15. STPM
The National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC) is hosting vocational training courses for over 20,000 young individuals from disadvantaged households, aiming to equip them with practical skills and opportunities.
Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour said during the inauguration of the courses that the registration of the approximately 25,000 youths took place over a two-month period, culminating in the official commencement on January 15.
“Technical and Vocational Education and Training [TVET] provides a straightforward, flexible and quick path for Cambodian youth to gain valuable skills. A single new skill can boost their income, helping them sustain themselves and alleviate burdens on their families,” he said.
“This confirms the success of the prime minister’s policy and programme, which the ministry continues to implement. Even as we announce the school year’s commencement today, our mission, along with that of the students, is far from complete,” Sour said.
Phan Phalla, secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said that opting for vocational skills is a wise decision for young people. He also said that TVET is a crucial aspect incorporated into the government’s Pentagonal Strategy.
“Absolutely, it’s the government’s responsibility to nurture a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. If we aim for the country to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, developing technical and vocational capabilities is crucial,” he said.
He stressed that depending only on formal education is not enough for Cambodia to meet its labour goals. Spotlighting the fundamental role of TVET, he pointed out how it equips the talent pool with valuable skills. These skills serve as a foundation, empowering individuals to seek employment and improve their livelihoods. This active workforce significantly contributes to the development of both the economy and society.
Hing Sideth, head of the ministry’s TVET General Directorate, said that as of January 14, a total of 24,433 youths, with 9,328 in Phnom Penh, have enrolled in the training programmes.
He said that among the diverse sectors available, five stand out as particularly popular choices. These encompass IT, construction, general automotive mechanics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as hospitality and tourism.
