Revitalising vocational education in the Lao PDR
Vocational Education Lao PDR (VELA)
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ClientGerman Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
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Country -
Political sponsorsMore
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Runtime2019 to 2024
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Products and expertiseEconomic development and employment
Context
After years of continued growth, the economy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic has been impacted by Covid-19 and rising prices. The pandemic caused a severe disruption to education and training for more than two years. This interruption has impeded economic recovery and development, particularly in the country’s economic hubs, due to the shortage of skilled workers.
Currently, the national Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system has only produced a limited number of graduates equipped with skills demanded by the Lao labour market. Both the government and the private sector have yet to effectively address these challenges. Dual cooperative training (DCT), where public and private stakeholders share the responsibility for skills development, can help to create a workforce that meets labour market needs.
Objective
DCT programmes for relevant professions have been established in economic centres of Lao PDR.
Approach
The project supports the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) to advance DCT in close cooperation with the following state and private partners and their activities include:
Four TVET colleges: Enhancing DCT planning and implementation in high-demand provinces, collaborating with partner companies, and improving IT infrastructure as well as career guidance services for students.
Private sector: Supporting LNCCI in establishing a DCT Service Centre that introduces training opportunities to interested businesses and encouraging a more active private role in the DCT approach.
Vocational Education Development Institute (VEDI): Integrating the DCT approach into TVET teacher and manager training, digitalising the curricula, and developing DCT training materials.
TVET Department of the MoES: Supporting the development of regulations and framework for DCT implementation, promoting dialogue between public and private stakeholders on TVET and the DCT approach, and providing skills development for TVET personnel.
Last update: May 2024