Lao students gain technical skills for future employment

Vientiane (ILO News) - Secondary school students in the Lao People's Democratic Republic have acquired the advanced skills needed to gain decent employment when they graduate.

From January to March 2026, students at the Vetsaphong Technical and Vocational School took part in courses on electrical installation, basic computers and cooking.

Delivered in collaboration with China's Baoshan Technician College and with the support of the ILO, the training helped provide foundational knowledge and in still the professional work ethic needed to find jobs in the sectors where strong demand for skilled workers exists.

Baoshan Technician College also donated electrical equipment to support the Level 1 training programme. Upon completing their training, more than 40 students will receive certificates, enabling them to pursue further studies from Level 2 through Level 5, ultimately bridging the skills gap and creating pathways to decent work.

"Such skills training programmes help students develop habits and expertise relevant to the industrial, agriculture and service sectors," said Yothin Vetsaphong, Director of Vetsaphong Technical and Vocational School.

ILO is also supporting Vetsaphong Technical and Vocational School to collaborate with a number of private enterprises on joint training programmes. These public-private partnerships promote sustainable skills development for young people, including those with disabilities and the disadvantaged.

ILO support is provided through the ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.