Five Key Sectors Power Surge in Cambodian Youth Skills Training, Nearing 143,000 Applicants

PHNOM PENH –  The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) of Cambodia announced overwhelming interest in the government’s flagship TVET 1.5M skills-training programme, with five key sectors drawing the majority of applicants, particularly those from poor and at-risk families.

Ministry spokesman Sun Mesa confirmed that a total of 142,975 young people have submitted applications for the free technical and vocational courses by the end of September. The strong response underscores the nationwide appetite for practical skills aimed at securing stable employment and improving livelihoods.

The five sectors attracting the highest interest are: Business and Information Technology (IT): 28,320 applicants, Tourism: 22,208 applicants, Construction: 21,333 applicants, Agriculture and Agro-industry: 17,536 applicants and General Services: 17,257 applicants.

"The data clearly shows that young Cambodians are recognizing the opportunities available in high-growth areas like IT and tourism," said Mesa. "These are the skills that drive modern industry and support entrepreneurship."

The TVET 1.5M programme is already yielding significant results. Of the total applicants, 60,935 are equity-card holders, ensuring priority access to free training for youth from officially classified poor families.

The Ministry reports substantial progress across the initiative; such as, 63,627 students have already completed their studies, 32,301 graduates have successfully secured employment. In total, 59,367 equity-card holders are currently studying, have completed training, or have found jobs.

Mesa renewed the ministry’s appeal for young people across the country to apply, especially former migrant workers who have returned from Thailand. He emphasized that gaining officially recognized technical and vocational skills will allow graduates to find stable jobs in factories, companies, and enterprises, or to build their own small businesses. "This skills investment is critical," Mesa added. "It directly helps improve individual livelihoods while also making a significant contribution to national productivity, social development, and overall economic growth."