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Driving Sustainable Employment: 2026 IVET Exchange Workshop Evaluates Impact and Future Goals

Laos
Initial vocational education and training
LAOS Phetsila Phoumbandith26.02.2026
On 26 February 2026, the Vocational Training and Employment Support Services (VTESS) Project – Phase II convened its annual IVET Exchange Workshop in Vientiane Capital. The workshop served as a critical platform for the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET), the Department of Non-Formal Education (DNFE), and IVET institutions from five provinces to synchronise their efforts in human resource development.  
IVET Exchange Workshop 2026

The day’s agenda included a comprehensive review of 2025 results and the setting of ambitious targets for 2026. Participants engaged in intensive group work covering thematic areas such as Public Relations, IVET and OR training, Capacity Development, and Finance and Administration system from the project to the institutions.

IVET Exchange Workshop 2026

During his opening remarks, Mr. Vilayphone Phommahaxay, Director General of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET), Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), emphasized the long-term vision of the programme

"The ultimate measure of success in vocational training is the development of knowledge and skills in our youth that align with labour market demands, enabling them to secure quality employment or become self-employed. This ensures they can sustainably contribute to improving the livelihoods of their families, their communities, and the nation."
Mr. Vilayphone Phommahaxay, Director General of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training
IVET Exchange Workshop 2026
IVET Exchange Workshop 2026

A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the Tracer Study results and the introduction of the improved Monitoring, Results, and Management (MRM) system. These tools are designed to ensure that vocational training remains responsive to the actual needs of the labour market, particularly in the face of current economic shifts and labour migration trends.

IVET Exchange Workshop 2026
IVET Exchange Workshop 2026

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment from all five target provinces, such as Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xiengkhouang, Khammouan, and Saravan, to implement their 2026 action plans with a focus on high-quality outcomes and sustainable job placement for Lao youth.