Originally from Krakor District in Pursat Province, Somaly grew up in a family that was facing financial challenges. Wanting to support her family, she seriously considered leaving school to find work.
'I almost stopped studying because I wanted to earn money and support my family,' she says. 'Our family situation was difficult, and I felt I needed to start working right away. But my mother encouraged me to keep studying. She told me that an education would give me better opportunities in the future.”
It was her mother's support that gave Somaly the confidence to continue her studies.
In 2022, Somaly joined the Electrical Diploma Programme at the Polytechnic Institute of Pursat Province (PIPP), where she studied until 2024. She chose electrical skills because she wanted to learn practical skills that could help her find a stable job and improve her future.
“My dream was simple. I wanted a good job, better opportunities and the chance to improve my family's living conditions.”
Studying was not always easy. Just two months after starting her course, Somaly found a job at a coffee shop. Balancing work and study was challenging, but it helped her earn an income while continuing her education. Somaly knew she wanted more than a temporary job. She wanted to build a career where she could use her skills and continue to grow.
A Decision That Changed Her Future
Sometimes, one decision can open the door to new opportunities. For Somaly, choosing to continue her studies became an important step towards the future she dreamed of. During her studies at PIPP, she learned electrical installation and wiring. She also developed important workplace skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving and work discipline.
“The training helped me build my skills and confidence,” she says. “I learned how to work with others, solve problems and prepare myself for a professional working environment.”
After graduating, Somaly found a job with TOPEC Electric, where she now works on electrical wiring and installation projects. The job has brought an important change to her life. She now has a stable job in the field she studied in and more opportunities to develop her skills and build her career.
For Somaly, this means more than having a job.
“Today, I have a stable job and can contribute more to my family's expenses. I also work closer to home, so I can visit my family more easily without spending too much money on travel. Supporting my family has always been one of my main goals, and that makes me very happy.”
Somaly is now focused on building her career and gaining more experience in the electrical sector.
“I want to keep learning and improving my skills. In the future, I hope to move into a higher position and have better opportunities.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
From almost leaving school to help her family, Somaly has built a career in the electrical sector and is creating a better future for herself and her family. Her story shows how skills training can create real opportunities for young people. What started as a difficult decision to stay in school has led to a stable job, a growing career and new possibilities.
Her journey also reflects the work of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) to support and improve Cambodia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. By helping training institutions provide quality and relevant skills, SDP supports young people in gaining the skills employers need and finding better job opportunities.