Officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) have strengthened their capacity to conduct an evidence-based review of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2017–2025. In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), MLVT organized a three-day training from 26 to 28 November 2025, attended by over 30 officials from key departments and members of the working group tasked with drafting the next TVET policy. The training aimed to support both the current policy review and the development of the future policy framework.
Participants gained skills to identify and define policy questions, apply evidence-based policymaking using reliable data, evaluate sources of evidence, and communicate findings effectively. This training complemented ongoing technical assistance provided by the ILO since July 2025 as part of the broader policy review process.
The National TVET Policy 2017–2025, approved by the Royal Government of Cambodia, provides a roadmap to enhance workforce skills and competitiveness. Its core vision is to improve livelihoods and dignity by equipping Cambodian workers with knowledge, skills, and professional ethics to support lifelong employability and economic competitiveness.
The review is timely as Cambodia approaches the end of the current policy cycle and prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029. Thorng Samon, Deputy Director-General of TVET at MLVT, emphasized that the review is essential to ensure that Cambodia’s skills development system remains responsive to evolving economic needs. Tun Sophorn, ILO National Coordinator for Cambodia, highlighted that a strong, evidence-based TVET system is critical for sustaining inclusive economic growth, promoting decent work, and preparing the workforce for the future of work.
Participants reported practical benefits from the training. Nuon Sovannda, Chief of Policy and Strategy Office at MLVT, noted that the workshop provided tools to identify data sources for key performance indicators and to formulate review findings using the results-chain approach, directly enhancing the capacity to analyze data and contribute to the development of a forward-looking skills strategy.
The workshop and technical support for the TVET policy review were implemented under the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia (DEY) Project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Since its launch in 2017, the DEY Project has played a key role in strengthening Cambodia’s TVET system and promoting decent work opportunities for youth.
