AKP Phnom Penh, January 13, 2026 -- The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has announced a remarkable achievement in human resources development, reporting that nearly 150,000 students from poor and venerable families have enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as of 2025. 

As of December 2025, 79,285 students graduated from the programme, in which 51,591 students secured employment after completing technical and vocational training programmes, stated the report. 

H.E. Sun Mesa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, highlighted on Jan. 13 the programme’s progress in building skilled labourers for the job market, citing that the enrollment number reflects a growing trust in technical education.

“High employment rates among our graduates indicate that the skills taught are directly in line with current labour market demands,” he said. 

The Ministry encouraged Cambodian workers who returned home from Thailand to enroll in this training course to get skills, leading to employment, as well as contribute to maintaining job stability and promoting national economic development, he said. 

The TVET programme for 1.5 million young people from poor and vulnerable families was initiated by former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in 2023 and announced for implementation by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, current Prime Minister of Cambodia, on Nov. 14, 2023.

Major state technical and vocational education and training institutions include the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC), the National Institute of Business (NIB), National Technical Training Institute (NTTI), and Preah Kossomak Polytechnic Institute (PPI).

The policy is one of six priority policies programmed by the Royal Government in the seventh mandate.

Expanding the skilled labour force is essential to support Cambodia's growing industrial sector, which now includes vehicle assembly, electronics manufacturing, and high-end garment production for global brands.

By Chea Vannak