Improving teachers’ skills through work placements at private farms

Agriculture teachers from vocational schools and colleges in the Lao PDR are strengthening and updating their knowledge, skills and competencies via an Education–Enterprise Engagement (EEE) initiative supported by the Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry (STAF) programme. Under this initiative, teachers undertake short-term (ranging from one week to one month) professional internships with private enterprises to update their technical knowledge, gain a better understanding of current industry standards and productivity requirements, and enhance their appreciation of workplace expectations for graduates of agriculture-related vocational courses.

Vocational schools and colleges take full ownership of the EEE process and adapt it to local realities, from identifying and liaising with enterprises for teacher internships to agreeing with companies on respective responsibilities, expected learning outcomes and in-kind or financial support.

Professional internships for teachers through EEE help bridge the gap between classroom-based training and the realities of employment in Lao PDR’s evolving agriculture sector. Skills and knowledge gained by teachers are brought back to vocational schools and colleges, and incorporated into curricula, lesson plans and practical exercises. This improves the quality and relevance of training, ensuring that students are better prepared for wage or self-employment upon graduation.

Let’s hear from some teachers …

Mr Thongmai MALI, crop production teacher at the Technical College of Vientiane Province,
undertook a professional internship focused on commercial melon cultivation from 12 December 2025 to 8 January 2026 at Phachaleun Farm, Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital.

"Phachaleun Farm is long-established, with an environment that is conducive to learning. I acquired new techniques in melon propagation and cultivation. I am eager to apply this knowledge to enhance the quality of my teaching and to ensure that students benefit from meaningful, hands-on learning experiences, " he highlighted.

Mr Ounsy XAYYALATH, crop production teacher at Khammouane Technical and Vocational College, undertook a professional internship focused on hydroponic vegetable production from 16 July to 22 August 2025 at the Sino-Agri Potash Co. Ltd in Thakhek District, Khammouane Province.

"I learnt how to prepare A and B liquid fertilisers, mix and apply nutrients to crops, manage fertilisation processes and timing, install and set up hydroponic equipment, and prepare seedlings for hydroponic farming. Looking ahead, I would welcome similar work placement opportunities in the future, preferably with larger-scale commercial farms, to further strengthen my practical skills and industry exposure, " he noted.

Mr Sonepaseuth CHANMANY, livestock-aquaculture teacher at the Technical-Vocational School of Bokeo, undertook a professional internship focused on fish breeding (Nile tilapia) from 1 to 13 January 2026 at Thongdee Xaichalern Farm, Bokeo Province.

"I learnt the procedures for hatching Nile tilapia eggs and nursing fingerlings, as well as appropriate feeding practices for starter fish aged 7–21 days. The new knowledge and skills will be useful in delivering courses at various qualification levels. In the future, I would like to learn more about monitoring sterile fish aged 28–35 days for commercial purposes, " he explained.

Ms Soukthanva PHABOULOUT, vegetable cultivation teacher at the Integrated Technical and Vocational College of Xiengkhouang Province, undertook a professional internship focused on greenhouse vegetable growing from 22 December 2025 to 30 January 2026 at Nasaithong Agriculture Production and Trading Co. Ltd, Phaxai District, Xiengkhouang Province.

"I have acquired new techniques in fertilisation and crop maintenance for tomatoes, aubergines, and onions. The newly gained knowledge and skills are useful in teaching cultivation students on various courses. I am also interested in further training on effective methods for pest and disease control, " she reflected.

… and from the enterprises.

Ms Vankham SENGVALY is Farm Manager at Thongdee Xaichalern Farm, Bokeo Province, a company that operates on 300 hectares, with diversified production that includes fish, poultry, goats and cattle. This scale and diversity make the company highly suitable for teacher and student internships, as well as providing employment opportunities for graduates.

"The company periodically engages a fish breeding expert from Thailand to monitor progress and provide technical training to staff. Teachers from the Technical-Vocational School of Bokeo were also trained by this expert to ensure their knowledge and skills in Nile tilapia breeding were in line with industry good practice, " she explained.

The company derives several key benefits from facilitating professional internships. 

"Teachers support daily farm operations and bring new ideas. They also support trials and research by assisting in testing new methods, such as improved fish feed or water management techniques, and by helping with data collection and record-keeping. In addition, the company improves its image by demonstrating its commitment to vocational education and training, and by contributing positively to relationships with communities and government stakeholders.

We also observed a few challenges. Teachers may have limited practical experience and require time to adapt to real working conditions. Fish farming is influenced by various factors, such as weather, water quality and environmental conditions, which require problem-solving skills and field experience for effective adaptation. Farm work involves multiple concurrent tasks, including feeding, water quality monitoring and cleaning, all of which must be well organised and managed. Managing time and learning to prioritise tasks are as critical as acquiring new farm techniques, " she added.

Mr Khamvaen PHITHAVONG is Field Cultivation Technician at Sino-Agri Potash Co. Ltd, Thakhek District, Khammouane Province. Reflecting on the facilitation of professional internships, he stated :

"To date, the company has hosted a total of 12 teacher interns, including five women, from technical and vocational colleges across the country. The company operates two vegetable production sites – a greenhouse and an open-field area. Teachers are assigned to both sites on a rotational basis, working at each location on a weekly schedule. They participate in crop production activities and gain hands-on experience across different farming systems. Teachers have also made valuable contributions to our daily farm operations, sharing their knowledge with our workers. 

I would recommend that future internships take place between September and December, when production conditions are most favourable. Additionally, the duration of the professional internship should be one to three months, so that teachers can fully experience the production cycle".

The six-year (2023–2028) STAF programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports together with LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.