Phnom penh: The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has announced a significant milestone in human resources development, with nearly 150,000 students from poor and vulnerable families enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as of 2025.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, as of December 2025, 79,285 students have graduated from the programme, with 51,591 securing employment after completing their technical and vocational training. H.E. Sun Mesa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, emphasized the programme's progress in preparing skilled labourers for the job market. He noted that the enrollment figures reflect a growing trust in technical education.
He further stated, "High employment rates among our graduates indicate that the skills taught are directly in line with current labour market demands." The Ministry has also encouraged Cambodian workers returning from Thailand to enroll in these training courses to acquire skills that lead to employment, thereby contributing to job stability and promoting national economic development.
The TVET programme, targeting 1.5 million young individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, was initiated by former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in 2023. It was announced for implementation by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the current Prime Minister of Cambodia, on November 14, 2023.
Major state-run technical and vocational education and training institutions include the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC), the National Institute of Business (NIB), the National Technical Training Institute (NTTI), and Preah Kossomak Polytechnic Institute (PPI). This policy is one of six priority policies outlined by the Royal Government in its seventh mandate.
Expanding the skilled labour force is vital to supporting Cambodia's growing industrial sector, which now includes vehicle assembly, electronics manufacturing, and high-end garment production for global brands.