Advanced training programmes, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), have equipped technical and vocational education and training (TVET) instructors with skills in industrial automation and digital construction, strengthening Cambodia's capacity to prepare a skilled workforce for the country's digital and industrial transformation.
Fifty Cambodian TVET instructors and technical professionals strengthened their expertise in two advanced training programmes in China, during 3-14 August 2026.
The training was organized under the ILO/China Partnership Programme through the South-South Cooperation Skills Development Network, with support from Cambodia's Skills Development Fund (SDF), and was delivered by Zhejiang Construction Technician College.
Twenty-five participants attended the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programming and Application Training Programme, while another twenty-five participated in the Digital Construction Training Programme. Together, the programmes strengthened the technical capacity of Cambodian TVET institutions to respond to rapidly evolving industry needs and equipped learners with skills demanded by modern manufacturing and construction sectors.
"With 50 participants, this is the largest single training programme organized under the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Strengthening Skills Development since its inception, demonstrating the growing scale and impact of South-South cooperation in skills development," said Tian Feng, Project Manager of the ILO-China Partnership Programme.
Beyond strengthening technical skills, both programmes promoted competency-based learning, occupational safety, innovation and industry-relevant teaching approaches that participants can apply in their own institutions. In addition to classroom instruction and intensive hands-on practical training, participants visited leading enterprises in the industrial automation and digital construction sectors to gain first-hand exposure to the latest technologies, production processes and industry practices. Upon returning to Cambodia, the participants are expected to transfer their knowledge to fellow instructors and students, multiplying the benefits of the training across the national TVET system.
"Cambodia's economic transformation depends on a workforce equipped with the skills required forby emerging industries and rapidly advancing technologies," said Tian. "Through South-South Cooperation, this initiative enables Cambodian TVET instructors to learn directly from China's practical experience in industrial automation and digital construction. By strengthening the capacity of instructors today, we are investing in the skills of thousands of young people and workers who will drive Cambodia's sustainable and inclusive development."
The training programmes built on the long-standing cooperation between Cambodia and China under the ILO-China Partnership Programme, which promotes practical knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships and capacity development through South-South Cooperation. Over recent years, the programme has supported Cambodian TVET institutions through policy dialogue, instructor development, curriculum enhancement and advanced technical training in priority sectors aligned with the country's economic development.
As Cambodia continues to modernize its economy and embrace digital and green transitions, initiatives such as these play an important role in ensuring that TVET institutions remain responsive to labour market demand. The ILO/-China Partnership Programme, funded by Chinese Government, continues to foster innovation, strengthen institutional partnerships and help build a future-ready workforce capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.
© Zhejiang Construction Technician College
