The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has provided training to more than 270,000 workers across various sectors from 2018-2022.

A ministry report released on September 18 detailed that in 2022, a total of 53,723 male workers received short-term level technical and vocational education certificates, an increase of 5.98 per cent from the 50,690 trained in 2021. On the other hand, female trainees numbered 19,949, marking a 9.12 per cent decrease from the previous year’s 21,952.

Ministry spokesperson Katta Orn said on September 19 that the individuals span various sectors including construction, electronics, air conditioning, heating, manufacturing and IT.

“The ministry has organised training across five levels, ranging from technical skilled worker to doctoral level. Short-term skills courses last three to four months,” he said.

Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), noted the country’s ongoing challenge with a shortage of competent labour. He highlighted that less than 50 per cent of managerial roles in factories and companies are filled by citizens.

“By law, foreigners can work here temporarily, but due to the lack of qualified domestic workers, the situation remains challenging,” he said.

In further detail, the ministry reported that 16,719 students graduated from technical and vocational degree levels 1 to 3 in 2022, a 6.66 per cent rise from 15,674 the year prior. Graduates from master, associate, technical or specialty degrees in the same year stood at 12,269, a significant increase of 24.82 per cent from 9,829 in 2021.

In line with the seventh mandate’s objectives, the government aims to upskill 1.5 million additional workers, allowing them to participate in morning, evening and weekend training sessions at no cost, with additional allowances for the financially disadvantaged.