Cambodia’s vocational education system enhanced through ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skills Development

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (ILO News) - A joint initiative between Cambodia and China has reached a milestone as another batch of Cambodian trainees completed their vocational skills training programme and certification, enhancing their employability in Cambodia's expanding tech and manufacturing industries.

Supported by the ILO/China Partnership on Skills Development, nine Cambodian teachers and students participated in a 14-day training session in electrical installation and information network cabling at the Wuxi Institute of Technicians in China, on 13 April 2025.

The training was aligned with Cambodia's industrial growth sectors, and participants, including three female trainees, received China's Vocational Skill Level Certification upon completion.

The program also prepared Cambodian competitors for the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition in August 2025 in the Philippines. Hosted by the Wuxi Institute of Technician, a renowned institution in technical education and China's training base for the WorldSkills Competition, all trainees engaged in hands-on training, mastering technical skills while gaining exposure to advanced industry practices.

"This training opened my eyes to cutting-edge technology. I'll apply these skills in the competition and bring this knowledge back to Cambodia to help more young people," said Nat Sokheng, one of the three female trainees and a Cambodian candidate for the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition in Information Network Cabling.

"The completion of this capacity-building programme not only signifies the professional growth of Cambodian trainees but also strengthens the collaboration between technical education institutions in Cambodia and China," said Tian Feng, Project Manager and Coordinator of the ILO/China Partnership Programme. "Such initiatives contribute to broader efforts in building a skilled and competitive workforce essential for the sustainable development of both nations, fostering international partnerships and elevating the quality of technical education."

"Thanks to the Chinese teachers, during this time in China, we not only saw advanced equipment, learned professional technology, but also felt the dedication of the teachers and the enthusiasm of the Chinese people," said Bun Heang, a participant and the Cambodia Electrical Installation Expert.

The ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Myanmar through South-South and Triangular Cooperation facilitates knowledge exchange, capacity building, and technical assistance. It emphasizes the mutual benefits of sharing expertise and resources between China and these countries. Through joint initiatives like vocational training programs and certification standards alignment, the partnership aims to promote inclusive and sustainable growth, addressing regional challenges and advancing global standards in technical education, underscoring the commitment to enhancing skills development across Asia.