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LAOS - New Education-Enterprise Engagement Manual launched to strengthen vocational education in Lao PDR
With support from the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) programme, the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, under the Ministry of Education and Sports, has unveiled the updated Education-Enterprise Engagement (EEE) Manual. This innovative resource aims to enhance collaboration between vocational skills development providers and private sector businesses.
During the launch event, Mr. Vilayphone Phommahaxay, Acting Director General of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, under the Ministry of Education and Sports, highlighted the importance of this manual: "The updated guide establishes a strong foundation for cooperation between educational institutions and enterprises. It will help ensure that students receive hands-on training and gain the skills needed to meet the demands of the labour market. By enhancing these partnerships, we are addressing workforce needs while improving the quality of education in Lao PDR. "
As the business landscape evolves, vocational training providers must adapt to ensure graduates meet labour market requirements and secure gainful employment. The manual showcases how training providers and the private sector can collaborate effectively, featuring case studies and best practices from vocational colleges across Lao PDR.
The manual is designed to encourage and provide pathways for vocational training providers to strengthen their engagement with private sector partners. It includes examples of how public-private partnerships can be mutually beneficial, improving student access to the latest equipment and facilities, facilitating teacher training in industry settings, hosting students for site visits, study tours, and internships, and offering input into annual planning and curriculum development, while simultaneously improving the alignment of skills development with the needs of the labour market. The manual also highlights how this engagement has led to businesses sponsoring facilities and scholarships, participating in job fairs, guest speaker programmes and skills competitions. This suite of activities leverages the expertise and resources of the private sector to improve the quality of vocational education, while improving their access to graduates with market-relevant skills.
In support of the launch of the manual, the STAF programme is providing small grants totalling EUR 100,000 for the 2024-25 academic year. These grants will ensure public vocational training providers have the resources needed to implement these activities across nine partner provinces.
Mr. Vilayphone added: "With this guide and the financial support from development partners, vocational schools have the resources to implement effective collaboration activities with enterprises. This will not only benefit students, enhancing their employability, but also contribute to the nation’s social and economic development goals, by addressing skills gaps faced by local industries. By linking vocational schools with businesses, we are building a stronger foundation for Lao PDR’s workforce and economic development."
This initiative underscores the Ministry of Education and Sports’ commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in key economic sectors and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The STAF programme is co-financed by Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the European Union. It is implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
Access the Education-Enterprise-Engagement Manual here: EEE eng version.pdf
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