Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour has announced a new initiative to encourage participation in government-run vocational training courses.
In a video posted on his Facebook page on February 27, Sour outlined a competition rewarding communes that send the most students to these courses.
He highlighted the benefits of vocational training, not only for graduates who secure jobs with major companies, but also for the communes themselves.
Sour stated that communes actively promoting and sending students to these courses will receive not only letters of commendation but also participate in a contest with the chance to win further recognition and benefits.
This initiative aims to address the country’s growing need for skilled workers by encouraging local communities to play a role in promoting vocational education and training.
“Launched in January, the programme will culminate in December with a nationwide review and selection of the most supportive communes,” he said.
He said that the ministry will publish additional rewards, beyond certificates of appreciation and prizes, as the year draws to a close.
Prime Minister Hun Manet is committed to this policy, aiming to encourage vocational training participation among students and equip them with skills for employment.
Chey Tech, an independent socio-economic analyst, said on February 28 that while encouraging students and local authorities is positive, vocational training programmes do not guarantee success for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Commune councillors I interviewed highlighted several challenges in recruiting young people from low-income families for the training courses. These include underage students still attending school, and the possibility of them dropping out, migrating or pursuing higher education after completing high school,” he said.
Tech stated that the biggest challenge hindering students from disadvantaged families is the immediate need to work and support their families financially. This makes it difficult to convince them to participate in vocational training, even though it could improve their future prospects.
