Aligning Skills with Opportunity: Assessing TVET and regional economic needs in Northeast Cambodia

Challenges and issues

Northeast Cambodia, including Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, and Preah Vihear, has growing economic activity in agriculture, energy-related services, construction, and small-scale processing. At the same time, many employers struggle to find workers with the right skills, while young people continue to encounter limited job opportunities. 

Although TVET institutes operate across the region, training does not fully meet labour market needs. Employers frequently report that graduates lack practical experience and job-ready skills. Training delivery is often constrained by limited equipment, outdated materials, and a lack of opportunities for work-based learning. 

These challenges are particularly evident in the electric and electronic sectors and the cashew nut value chain. While demand for skills in solar energy, electrical maintenance and cashew processing is rising, current training programmes have not yet fully responded.

Assessing TVET and labour market needs

To better understand these challenges and identify practical solutions, a detailed assessment was conducted on the alignment of TVET with regional economic needs in Northeast Cambodia, focusing on the Electricity, Electronics and Cashew Nut Production sectors. 

The study applied a participatory, qualitative approach, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including TVET institutes, Provincial Training Boards, private sector employers, trainers, students, and sector representatives. Capturing the perspectives of both training providers and employers enabled the assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for TVET to respond more effectively to regional labour market realities. 

Going beyond policy-level analysis, the assessment provided practical, province-level insights by examining skills demand, training capacity, private sector engagement, and barriers to access for women and rural youth.

Evidence-based insights for action

The assessment provides a clear evidence base to support more responsive and inclusive TVET development in Northeast Cambodia. By identifying specific skill shortages and institutional challenges, the study allows policymakers, training providers, development partners and the private sector to move from general assumptions to targeted, demand-driven solutions. 

The findings reinforce the need for stronger coordination between public and private actors and emphasise the importance of work-based learning in bridging the gap between training and employment. Investments are needed not only in infrastructure and curricula, but also in trainer capacity, industry partnerships, and student support services. 

Importantly, the assessment contributes to national priorities on skills development, employment promotion, and economic diversification, while ensuring that regional perspectives inform future planning and investment.

Key findings

• The assessment found a continued gap between TVET training and the skills needed by employers in Northeast Cambodia. Graduates often have basic technical knowledge but limited practical experience, which affects their readiness for work.
• In the electricity and electronics sectors, demand is increasing for skills related to electrical installation, solar photovoltaic systems, refrigeration, motor control, and equipment maintenance. Training institutes have limited capacity to provide these skills due to outdated equipment and limited exposure of teachers and trainers to current technologies.
• In cashew nut production, there is strong potential for local processing, but enterprises struggle to find workers with relevant skills. There are gaps in orchard management, pest control, harvesting, post-harvest handling, processing, grading, packaging, and quality control.
• TVET institutes commonly face challenges such as insufficient equipment, outdated training materials, and weak links with the private sector. Internships and apprenticeships remain informal and limited.
• Women's participation in technical training, particularly in electricity and electronic courses, remains low. Limited outreach and a lack of targeted support also reduce access for rural and disadvantaged youth.

 Key recommendations

1. Modernise training and curricula: Update TVET programmes to align with current and emerging industry requirements. In the electricity and electronics sectors, training should cover solar systems, motor controls, electronic security systems and refrigeration. In cashew nut production, the focus should be on modern cultivation, pest management, post-harvest processing, grading and packaging. Support hands-on learning with modern equipment and competency-based approaches.
2. Enhance trainer capacity: Provide trainers with continuous professional development, including exposure to new technical skills and teaching methods. Encourage partnerships with industry through in-company placements and expert involvement in curriculum design.
3. Private Sector Engagement: Build formal partnerships between TVET institutions and enterprises. Clear agreements and regular communication can ensure training aligns with labour market demand.
4. Expand work-based learning opportunities: Develop structured, monitored internships and apprenticeships that combine industry-led on-the-job training with classroom learning to improve practical skills.
5. Promote gender inclusion and access for marginalised groups: Introduce scholarships, mentorship programmes and targeted support to increase female participation, particularly in cashew nut training. Community outreach and awareness campaigns can address social barriers and highlight the benefits of TVET for women and rural youth.
6. Develop comprehensive agribusiness training in cashew nut production: The training should cover sustainable agriculture, post-harvest processing, packaging, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. Partner with agro-processing enterprises to ensure training is practical and market-oriented.
7. Improve infrastructure and student support services: Upgrade classrooms, workshops, and accommodation facilities. Strengthen career guidance and counselling services to reduce dropouts and facilitate smoother transitions from training to employment.

Moving forward, better aligning TVET with regional economic needs requires ongoing collaboration and investment. This assessment provides a practical basis for enhancing skills development in Northeast Cambodia. It will help young people to become job-ready and support businesses in finding the right skills, while reducing recruitment and training costs. Ultimately, it will contribute to inclusive and sustainable regional economic growth.

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