Youth who wish to register for vocational training can register online by accessing the scholarship programme through the website TVET.gov.kh.
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has developed an online technical and vocational education training (TVET) programme, which aims to make it easier to study from anywhere.
The programme is focused on providing young people from poor and vulnerable families with equal opportunities to develop skills that will offer better employment opportunities, thus increasing their livelihoods and lifting them out of poverty.
“Youth who wish to register for vocational training can register online by accessing the scholarship programme through the website TVET.gov.kh. They should follow the instructions and complete the registration form,” said a February 5 ministry notice.
Ministry spokesperson Kata Orn explained that online training makes it easy for young people everywhere, whether in urban or rural areas, or those who are busy working, to learn new marketable skills.
He said that as of 5pm on February 4, a total of 27,186 people, 9,411 of them female, had registered.
Phnom Penh saw the highest number of applicants, with 10,128 in Phnom Penh, while 3,372 in Battambang province had signed up, along with 1,932 in Siem Reap, 1,079 in Preah Sihanouk, 1,079 in Kandal and 9,704 in other provinces.
Orn said that as of February 5, the ministry has launched 477 training courses, including 111 in construction, 75 in general and vehicle mechanics, and 105 in business and information technology.
“Students are also enrolled in electrical and manufacturing classes, along with specialised air-conditioning and heating courses. Many are also focused on agriculture and agro-industry, as well as tourism and the service industry,” he added.
Chey Tech, a socio-economic development researcher, said on February 5 that he supported the online initiative, as it would improve access to learning for many young people.
“Giving them as many options as possible is a great way of encouraging them to pursue their studies,” he explained.
The training programme aims to target 1.5 million young people from poor and vulnerable families across the country. There are no tuition fees, and students receive a monthly stipend to support them while they train.
The programme was officially inaugurated on January 15 at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia in Phnom Penh by Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour.
During the launch, Sour explained that TVET provides a straightforward, flexible and quick path for Cambodian youth to gain valuable skills. A single new skill can boost their income, helping them sustain themselves and alleviate burdens on their families.
“Prime Minister Hun Manet wants to see people graduate with skills that will allow them to find good jobs. If people who complete these courses fail to find work, the labour ministry will have failed the prime minister,” he added.
