The objectives of the workshop were twofold. Firstly, it provided a platform for private sector companies and training institutes to establish partnerships and apply for funding from the Skill Development Fund (SDF) to meet industry demand for skilled workers. Secondly, it aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and foster win-win partnerships between companies and TVET institutes for curriculum development, student internships, and innovative teaching methods. The ultimate goal was to enhance pre-employment training and empower low-skilled or non-skilled workers through reskilling and upskilling opportunities. 

By the conclusion of the event, it is anticipated that private sector companies will have formed strategic partnerships with TVET institutes and applied for funding from the SDF to address the immediate and future workforce needs of their industries. Successful partnership applications will receive funding from the SDF or be jointly funded by both UNIDO and the SDF. 

The workshop boasted a total of 126 participants. One of the highlights of the event was the “Speed Dating” session, which provided an opportunity for private companies and TVET institutes to engage with each other, understand their respective institutions, needs, and demands, and chart a course for future collaboration. Each company had the opportunity to meet 4 to 5 TVET institutions and vice versa. Through this session, participants identified several key activities to be pursued in their partnerships, such as discussing technical skills development for women, the possibility of TVET institutes providing training to private companies, allowing TVET teachers to practice in private companies, and the development of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). 

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. SOK Narin, the Country Representative of UNIDO in Cambodia, emphasized the crucial role of TVET institutions in producing technical human resources for the private sector and other institutions. He further stated that “Private companies also play an important role as employers and training institutions. (…) [They] enhance the quality of technical and vocational education through improving the cooperation between the private sector and training institutions.” 

H.E. HING Sideth, the government representative in charge as the General Director of DGTVET of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT), acknowledged the workshop’s importance in strengthening existing public-private partnerships and exploring new opportunities to elevate the quality of TVET. He affirmed that the event would contribute to the advancement of TVET and youth employment through skills development initiatives and partnerships. 

Furthermore, Mr. PHA Bunnath, General Director of Kung Noun Group, emphasized the significant coordinating role of UNIDO. He stated that “Before UNIDO introduced me to TVET institutes, I and my staff had difficulty in finding and recruiting trained people with relevant skills from training institutes and we didn’t know how to connect with TVET institutes. With such a Public Private coordination platform and the introduction of UNIDO to TVET institutes, I can connect and collaborate with TVET on agricultural machinery skills. Without UNIDO, I would not have known what TVET is and where to find them. UNIDO is a bridge and a good partner.” 

In conclusion, the Workshop on Public Private Partnership for Skills Development provided a vital platform for private companies and TVET institutes to foster collaboration, exchange experiences, and explore new avenues for joint efforts. It served as a catalyst for enhancing the capacity building and employment prospects of Cambodian youth through skills development initiatives. UNIDO and DGTVET are committed to continuing their efforts to bridge the gap between industry demand and skills supply, facilitating sustainable economic growth and development in Cambodia. 

For any inquiries, please contact: 

Chantheng Heng – c.heng@unido.org 

Rachana Chetha – r.chetha@unido.org