Phnom penh: H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and Mr. Cameron Baker, Chief Commissioner of the South Australian Skills Commission, have signed a Cooperation Agreement on Technical and Vocational Training and Internship Programmes in Australia.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this agreement will enable Cambodian students pursuing 'Technical and Vocational Diplomas 1-3' to continue their education at professional training institutions and engage in a two-year practical internship at workshops, construction sites, and farms in South Australia. The students must be registered with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and recognized by the South Australian Skills Commission.
Both parties anticipate that this collaboration will significantly contribute to human capital development in Cambodia and support the private sector in South Australia. The agreement also includes initiatives for capacity building for trainers, curriculum development, and teaching methodologies in line with Australian standards.
Mr. Cameron Baker has committed to forming an ad-hoc working group to ensure effective implementation of this cooperation. The group will facilitate receiving Cambodian students for internships and placements starting in 2026 in fields such as automotive engineering, electric vehicles, and electronics, with plans to expand to additional skills by 2027.
The agreement is a result of the guidance and recommendations from Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, following the visit of Governor Frances Adamson of South Australia to Cambodia on May 19, 2025. During this visit, the Cambodian delegation participated in a study tour and shared experiences at several training institutions in Adelaide, including TAFE SA, Tonsley Technical College, the Motor Trade Association's training school, and the Regional Skills Training School.