The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) of Cambodia has taken a significant step towards providing vocational and technical training to 1.5 million youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. In a recent development, the MLVT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) to strengthen this ambitious government initiative.
The MoU signing ceremony, presided over by Hun Many, President of UYFC, and Heng Sour, the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, aims to bolster the campaign and encourage young people to enroll in the program. The collaboration also seeks to provide career guidance and assist in job placement for the youth.
Expressing gratitude to the MLVT, Hun Many appreciated the trust placed in UYFC for this vital initiative and highlighted the organization’s principles, mission, and vision. Hun Many emphasized UYFC’s commitment to carrying forward the mission of previous generations of young people and their contributions to national development.
Heng Sour, in turn, highlighted the comprehensive and widespread structure of UYFC, making it an ideal partner to promote vocational and technical training. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would yield positive results and enable young people to access job opportunities based on information from the MLVT.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has allocated approximately $36 million in funding this year for vocational training programs targeting young individuals from economically marginalized backgrounds across the country.
For the first phase of the program, the MLVT has identified 38 skills across ten sectors, including construction, electricity, electronics, mechanics, tourism, services, agro-industry, business, and information technology.
Additionally, the MLVT has signed MoUs with 18 private sector organizations, enabling internships for trainees within their businesses. These organizations include the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, Cambodian Federation of Employers and Trade Associations (CAMFEBA), Textile, Garment, Footwear and Travel Goods Association (TAFTAC), Cambodian Builders Association, Housing Developers Association, Cambodia Tourism Association, Cambodian Hotel Association, Cambodian Chefs Federation, Cambodian Restaurant Association, and Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association.
During a meeting in Takhmao City, Kandal Province, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the goals of the vocational training initiative, with an emphasis on completing studies and obtaining employment aligned with acquired skills. This initiative aims to empower youth to take responsibility for their own futures and support their families.
Cambodia, with a population of 16.7 million people, has a significant demographic advantage, with 65% of the population below 30 years old. However, the country’s school completion rates remain low, with only 7.4% of the labor force having completed post-secondary education.
With a labor productivity rate of $3.6 per hour worked, Cambodia lags behind other Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam ($7.3) and Indonesia ($13.1). This disparity is attributed to the lack of skills education. However, with a young population, Cambodia has the opportunity to leverage its demographic dividend by improving the skills of new entrants to the labor market and upgrading the capabilities of the existing workforce to meet future industry demands.
Source: Khmer Times
