1. Home
  2. News
  3. Aligning TVET with Industry: Why Private Sector Engagement Matters for Digital Learning

Aligning TVET with Industry: Why Private Sector Engagement Matters for Digital Learning  

Cambodia
Reskilling and upskilling
28.04.2026
For TVET and skills development to stay relevant, learning must reflect real work. This is also true for digital learning materials, where accuracy and practical relevance are key. 

In Cambodia, strengthening the link between training and industry is a core focus of the Digital Learning Materials for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DLM4TVET) Project. By actively involving private sector experts, digital learning content is shaped by real workplace practices—not just theory.  

From 9–12 March 2026, a technical workshop in Battambang brought together private sector representatives and TVET teachers from plumbing, motorcycle servicing, and administrative services. The goal was clear: to jointly review, improve, and validate scripts for upcoming learning videos. 

A total of 42 scripts were reviewed and strengthened, with industry representatives contributing hands-on insights, ensuring that each script reflects current tools, processes, and expectations from the workplace. 

The workshop highlighted the value of collaboration for building a responsive TVET system: when industry helps shape learning, training becomes more aligned, more practical, and ultimately more effective for learners entering the labour market. 

"Digital learning materials are essential—not just for students, but for everyone. Today, people learn through platforms like YouTube, making education more accessible, practical, and flexible. This approach encourages self-directed learning alongside traditional classroom teaching."
Mr. Sian Som, Deputy Branch Manager of Woori Bank in Battambang. 

Beyond content development, private sector engagement also plays a key role in linking training to real employment opportunities.  

"It’s about opening doors to jobs. From my experience, the private sector really needs to be part of the process, not only in developing digital learning materials. I’m happy to be involved, like joining today’s script validation workshop. It allows us to work closely with TVET institutes, so students can connect more easily to real opportunities and gain skills that truly match what the market needs."
Mr. Cheang Panha, owner and mechanic of a motorcycle repair shop in Battambang.

Private sector engagement not only strengthens the relevance of digital learning materials, but also supports TVET teachers in improving the delivery of practical skills in the classroom. By incorporating real industry practices and workplace expectations into instructional content, digital learning materials can help make teaching more structured, practical, and responsive to labour market needs.

"I truly appreciate the engagement of private sector partners in developing digital learning materials for TVET. Their industry insights help make the learning content more practical and relevant to workplace needs. The instructional videos also support me in structuring lessons more effectively and explaining concepts more clearly for students, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real industry practice."
Mrs. Pen Sophy, Plumbing Teacher of Skills Development Institute (SDI)

It is important to note that industry actors often provide valuable insights into workplace expectations, tools, and professional work standards- helping bridge the gap between training and real employment.

"I strongly support the development of digital learning materials like what the project is doing now. These video lessons are a great additional learning tool—students can learn in advance before working with real tools, which helps them learn faster. They can also go back and rewatch the videos if they miss any steps or don’t fully understand the process. It’s a useful initiative that helps build skills and address gaps in hands-on learning."
Mr. Khen Chantheourn, a former TVET student in Battambang, now running his own plumbing and electrical shop.

Digital learning materials were highlighted as a practical way to strengthen training delivery, beyond the classroom. They help bridge learning gaps, support hands-on skills development, and make knowledge accessible anytime, enhancing learning continuity and career readiness. 

The engagement of private sector actors in the DLM4TVET Project highlights how closer collaboration between TVET and industry strengthens the relevance and quality of digital learning materials. By working together, TVET institutes can better prepare learners with practical, job-ready skills - contributing to a more responsive and effective TVET system in Cambodia.

DLM4TVET is now in its second phase and is being implemented by Swisscontact in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), with funding from the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED). 

2023 - 2027
Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training
Digital Learning Materials for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DLM4TVET)
Digital Learning Materials for TVET II (DLM4TVET) supports the digital transformation of Cambodia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system by strengthening institutions to develop and use high-quality digital learning materials. The project helps ensure that these materials are relevant, easy to access, and sustainably integrated into everyday teaching and learning. By improving the systems and processes behind digital content creation, and by training TVET teachers and instructors to use these tools effectively, the project ultimately benefits learners across Cambodia.
Learn more