MENU
back
en
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. More than 13.000 Cambodian disadvantaged youth and low-skilled workers in 12 provinces will benefit from the Skills Development Programme Phase 3

More than 13.000 Cambodian disadvantaged youth and low-skilled workers in 12 provinces will benefit from the Skills Development Programme Phase 3

Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training, Labour market insertion, Sustainable tourism, Upskilling and Reskilling
18.02.2025
The SDP Phase 3 from 2024-2028 was officially launched in early 2025 in three provinces of Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang, Battambang and Koh Kong, with the high representative of key ministries, partners and provincial governors. Covering 12 provinces across Cambodia, the overall goal of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) is to improve access to decent employment and increase incomes for disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers.

Cambodia faces significant challenges in its vocational education and training sector, including limited access to quality training, gaps in governance, and a lack of industry-aligned skills. These issues contribute to unemployment, particularly among marginalized communities. Build on the success of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) phase 1 and phase 2, the SDP Phase 3 is designed to support 13,430 individuals, focusing on disadvantaged youth and low-skilled workers in tweel provinces across Cambodia, Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Modulkiri, Battambong, Pailin, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Koh Kong, and Kampong Chhnang.

The SDP Phase 3 is a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), co-funded by the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED) and implemented by Swisscontact in consortium with involas, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT). The SDP works closely with the government at national and sub-national levels, partnering with public and non-governmental training providers, as well as private companies and small enterprises in the hospitality and other sectors.

Key Focus Areas of the SDP Phase 3

  1. TVET Governance and Coordination – Strengthening mechanisms and coordination platforms to foster communication, dialogue, and collaboration, enabling the MLVT to more effectively manage and align ongoing projects and initiatives in the TVET sector.
  2. TVET and Skills Providers Development – Supporting the development of TVET institutes in line with the National Quality Assurance System. The focus will be on key areas of school development that are essential for effective operation and will build on the experience and lessons learnt from Phase 2, taking forward good practices and processes.
  3. Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) – Expanding and strengthening HoKa to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability and greening HoKa of professional hospitality skills, ensuring alignment with national and regional qualification frameworks.

The SDP Phase 3 prioritises innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that marginalised groups, including women and minorities, have equal access to training and employment. By fostering public-private partnerships, the programme seeks to bridge skill gaps and empower individuals to build sustainable careers.

"The Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) training programme under SDP Phase 3 will play a critical role in building a highly skilled hospitality workforce, raising service standards and ensuring sustainable growth in the tourism industry."
H.E. Pak Sokhom, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the HoKa Steering Committee
"The SDP Phase 3 is in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia's strategic priorities for human resource development. By improving TVET governance and expanding access to training, we are equipping our youth with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive labour market."
H.E. Dr Hing Sideth, Royal Government Delegate and Director General of the Directorate General of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DGTVET) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
"Through the SDP Phase 3, we are driving systemic change by integrating innovative approaches to skills training and governance. Our focus on inclusion ensures that disadvantaged youth and underrepresented groups have the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods."
Dr Daniel Nugraha, Country Director, Swisscontact

By improving the TVET ecosystem, the SDP Phase 3 will not only benefit thousands of individuals, disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers to have better access to decent employment and increased income, but also contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth and resilience. Through strong collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector, this programme is paving the way for a more skilled and inclusive workforce in Cambodia.

2024 - 2028
Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training, Labour market insertion, Sustainable tourism
Skills Development Programme (SDP)
The overall goal of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) is for disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers in five rural provinces of Cambodia (Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri) to gain access to decent employment and increased income. 
Learn more