In today’s fast-changing global economy, countries need a workforce with practical skills that match real industry demands. For Cambodia, this means rethinking how education connects to employment — especially in technical and vocational fields. The country’s National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy aims to modernize the skills ecosystem, reduce unemployment, and boost economic competitiveness.
This article breaks down what the policy includes, its core objectives, the challenges it addresses, and how it will shape Cambodia’s future workforce. Whether you’re an educator, student, employer, policymaker, or job seeker, this guide will help you understand why TVET reforms matter and how they can impact Cambodia’s development.
1. What TVET Is and Why It Matters for Cambodia
Understanding TVET
TVET refers to Technical and Vocational Education and Training, an education track focused on practical, job-ready skills rather than purely academic learning. It prepares learners for careers in construction, hospitality, ICT, manufacturing, automotive repair, and many other growing sectors.
Why TVET Is Crucial for Cambodia
Cambodia’s economic shift from agriculture to manufacturing and services requires a more skilled workforce. TVET plays a vital role in:
- Reducing unemployment by aligning skills with job market needs
- Increasing productivity across key sectors
- Attracting investment by offering a skilled workforce
- Reducing poverty and inequality through accessible training pathways
With Cambodia aiming for upper-middle-income status by 2030, building a strong TVET system is more important than ever.
2. Inside Cambodia’s TVET Policy: History and Purpose
Background and Launch
The National TVET Policy 2017–2025, approved in 2017, was created to modernize skills development and align training systems with labour needs. The policy was shaped through consultations with government bodies, employers, the ILO, ADB, and development partners.
Purpose of the Policy
The TVET policy aims to:
- Meet labour demands at national and international levels
- Standardize and improve training quality using the Cambodian Qualifications Framework (CQF)
- Expand training access to underserved groups
- Strengthen partnerships between TVET institutions and the private sector
3. Strategic Goals of the TVET Policy
A. Improving TVET Quality
A core focus is building a strong quality assurance system to ensure training aligns with industry requirements. This includes:
- Developing national standards based on the CQF
- Investing in teacher training and professional development
- Upgrading equipment and facilities across training centres
B. Expanding Access and Inclusion
The policy promotes equitable access to TVET, targeting:
- Rural youth
- School dropouts
- Women and vulnerable populations
- Workers seeking reskilling
Programs like BEEP help bridge the transition from general education to vocational training.
C. Strengthening Industry Partnerships
The government emphasizes stronger public-private collaboration, enabling employers to contribute to:
- Curriculum design
- Internship and apprenticeship programs
- Job placement support
D. Integrating Digital and Future Skills
Cambodia is incorporating digital learning into TVET through initiatives like the MLVT–LED digital learning partnership, ensuring learners gain future-ready skills.
4. How TVET Drives Job Creation and Economic Growth
Meeting Labour Market Needs
Traditional education often fails to produce job-ready graduates. TVET focuses on practical skills directly linked to employer needs, from electrical work to ICT.
Boosting Employment
TVET graduates enjoy higher job placement rates, especially in fast-growing sectors like manufacturing, construction, and hospitality.
Programs such as TVET 1.5M, which aims to train 1.5 million youth, support workforce development — though enrollment remains below target.
Supporting Economic Diversification
TVET strengthens Cambodia’s readiness for emerging sectors, including:
- Digital services
- Green industries
- Advanced manufacturing
5. Key TVET Initiatives and Partnerships
A. Digital Training Modernization
The DLM4TVET II (2025–2027) project enhances digital learning materials and teacher capacity, driving modernization within vocational training.
B. International Cooperation
Cambodia collaborates with ASEAN partners, the ILO, and development agencies to promote green skills, regional alignment, and higher training standards.
C. Prioritizing High-Demand Skills
New initiatives, such as KOICA’s ICT capacity-building program, help TVET institutions sharpen digital skills training for Cambodian youth.
6. Challenges Cambodia Must Overcome
A. Quality and Relevance Gaps
Many TVET programs still lack updated curricula, modern equipment, and instructors with industry experience.
B. Low Perception and Enrollment
Vocational training is often viewed as less prestigious than university education, discouraging student interest.
C. Limited Learning Pathways
Despite the CQF, transitions between general education and TVET remain limited.
D. Funding Constraints
TVET reform requires significant investment, and public funding alone is insufficient.
E. Weak Industry Alignment
Closer collaboration between employers and training providers is needed to ensure graduates have relevant skills.
7. TVET Success Stories and Impact
TVET programs nationwide are already yielding positive results:
- Higher employability for graduates
- Better livelihoods for rural and disadvantaged learners
- Improved soft skills, such as communication and teamwork
These outcomes highlight TVET’s role in empowering youth and supporting inclusive development.
8. What Comes Next? TVET Beyond 2025
A. Updating the Policy Framework
The government, supported by the ILO, is reviewing the current policy to develop a new post-2025 strategy focused on digital skills, industry alignment, and future-ready training.
B. Green and Future Skills
As the green economy expands, experts recommend integrating sustainability and green job pathways into TVET programs.
C. Deeper Public-Private Collaboration
Strengthening links between employers, training centres, and government will be essential for modernizing TVET further.
Conclusion: Why TVET Matters for Cambodia’s Future
Cambodia’s TVET policy is more than an educational plan — it is a national roadmap for economic transformation and inclusive growth. By equipping learners with practical skills, TVET closes the gap between education and employment, helps industries grow, and ensures the country remains competitive.
As Cambodia prepares for future industrial and technological changes, TVET will continue to be a cornerstone of national development.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Cambodia’s TVET policy?
Cambodia’s TVET policy refers to the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy, which aims to develop a skilled, job-ready workforce by aligning vocational education with labour market needs. It focuses on improving training quality, expanding access, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
2. Who can enroll in TVET programs in Cambodia?
TVET programs in Cambodia are open to youth, school dropouts, workers seeking reskilling, women, and disadvantaged groups, including those from rural areas. Many programs offer flexible entry requirements and government-supported scholarships.
3. Are TVET courses free in Cambodia?
Many TVET courses are free or heavily subsidized, especially under government-backed initiatives. Scholarships and stipends are often available for learners from low-income households, helping reduce financial barriers to skills training.
4. What jobs can graduates get after completing TVET training?
TVET graduates can find employment in manufacturing, construction, hospitality, automotive repair, ICT, logistics, and digital services. The programs are designed to meet real industry demand, improving job placement rates.
5. How will the new TVET policy benefit Cambodia’s economy?
The TVET policy supports economic growth by reducing skills shortages, increasing productivity, attracting investment, and preparing workers for future industries, including digital and green economy sectors.