AKP Phnom Penh, April 27, 2025 --

Around 113,000 young people have enrolled in Cambodia’s vocational and technical training programme since its launch in late 2023, with 63 percent having already graduated.

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet shared the figures this morning during a gathering with over 5,000 leaders from informal economy unions and academic staff associations, held here at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh to celebrate the 139th Anniversary of International Labour Day (May 1).

The Royal Government of Cambodia introduced the vocational and technical training programme to provide free training for 1.5 million young people from poor and vulnerable families. Participants also receive a monthly stipend of 280,000 Riel (approximately US$70).

The programme aims to equip Cambodian youth with professional and life skills to help them secure better-paying jobs in the future.

As of April 25, 2025, 113,000 young people had enrolled, with 72,000 having graduated and about 16,000 securing proper employment after graduation, according to the Premier.

On the same occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet called on capital and provincial authorities, as well as union representatives, to help publicise the programme, particularly among young citizens, to encourage wider participation.

He also appealed to the private sector to accept trainees and interns into the workplace, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and gain valuable work experience.

Officially launched in November 2023, the programme is being implemented through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, with the goal of strengthening human resources and boosting economic growth.

By Chea Vannak