Sour: Essential skills fight poverty
MINISTER of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour asserts that those gaining short-term vocational skills training from the government are poised to become “heroes”, rescuing families from poverty. The government’s goal, he said, is to lift all people above the poverty line.
Sour noted that trainees grasp skills in four months during the day, whereas the night shift extends to eight months and weekend offerings require 10 months. Yet, the preference among most trainees leans towards daytime studies.
“By dedicating four months to focused study and diligent practice under the guidance of their teachers, I am confident that these individuals will emerge as skilled and talented professionals. While a bachelor’s degree typically requires four years and an associate’s degree takes two years, our approach streamlines the process, concentrating on essential skills, saving valuable time compared to traditional academic paths,” he said.
The minister added that with employment, individuals obtain a National Social Security Fund (NSSF) card, alleviating parental concerns about health expenses for their children. This further ensures trainees have financial resources to support their families and parents.
“Trainee success is pivotal; it defines not just the ministry’s and government’s success but our shared mission. Failure is not our discourse; our focus is unwaveringly on success,” he said.
“The trainees’ families achieving prosperity fulfils the dream and aspiration of [former Prime Minister] Hun Sen, envisioned at the end of the sixth government mandate. His successor Prime Minister Hun Manet has transformed this dream into reality. Thus, collectively, we aim to
be the operators turning these dreams into tangible successes,” he added.
Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), said that possessing genuine skills is essential for earning income to support both the family and society as a whole. Despite acquiring skills through training, the current shortage of jobs underscores the need for the government to proactively create more employment opportunities.
“Acquiring proficiency as a hairdresser, builder or tailor demands three to six months of dedicated training. Meanwhile, factory workers and pocket seamstresses concentrate on sewing pockets and crafting quality garments. The ultimate objective is to equip everyone with
essential skills and guarantee employment opportunities,” Thorn said.
He added that upon mastering a specific skill, trainees are assured job opportunities and receive an NSSF card for healthcare in public hospitals and NSSF partner clinics, a government initiative that has been broadly implemented.
On November 14, 2023, Manet announced the implementation of Hun Sen-initiated vocational and technical training for 1.5 million youth from impoverished and disadvantaged families. The labour ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 18 private sector associations to foster internship and executive training opportunities for attending students.