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UNESCO Joins the Ministry in Celebrating the 7th National TVET Day
Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a crucial role in connecting education to the job market, empowering youth and adults with skills, and unlocking the potential of individuals and society. In celebration of its importance, UNESCO joined the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) to commemorate the 7th National TVET Day, held on June 15-16, 2024. Under the theme 鈥淭VET: Study to be Qualified, Graduated, and Employed鈥, this annual event aimed to promote TVET among youth, students, parents, guardians, schools, and private partners. The opening session was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, His Excellency Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, along with the presence of senior government officials, development partners, and over 60,000 participants.
In 2017, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) designated 15 June as National TVET Day. The two-day event highlighted the importance of TVET, introduced technical skills courses and available scholarships, and showcased the achievements of TVET students and programmes. TVET has been identified as a national priority in the 7th legislature of the RGC and is one of the key pillars of the national development agenda Pentagonal Strategy Phase I (2024-2028). The growing public interest and recognition in skills development has been reflected in the increasing public turnout of the event every year.
UNESCO acknowledges the significance of this national event and supports the nation鈥檚 commitments to TVET. Globally, UNESCO鈥檚 Strategy for TVET (2022-2029) focuses on three key areas: fostering youth employment and entrepreneurship, promoting equity and gender equality, and facilitating the transition to green economies and sustainable societies. In Cambodia, aligned with national development priorities, UNESCO actively supports TVET policy review and engages in policy dialogues that shape sector priorities, aiming to enhance the relevance of TVET, equipping youth and adults with the skills necessary for employment, decent work, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
As part of the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia (DEY) initiative, UNESCO collaborates with the MLVT and the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) to provide basic education completion and skill development opportunities through the flexible online-based Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP). Since 2020, UNESCO facilitated 688 BEEP graduates in enrolling in the formal TVET system after completing their basic education through BEEP. Recognising the private sector鈥檚 vital role in TVET, UNESCO facilitates partnerships between TVET institutes and enterprises/companies, creating internship and apprenticeship opportunities. In the upcoming DEY phase, UNESCO remains committed to supporting the MLVT and other line ministries in promoting applied research and innovation within TVET institutions.
