Lao teachers advance electric vehicle and industrial skills through South-South Cooperation

BANGKOK, (ILO News) – Educators in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are gaining cutting-edge skills in electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial electrical systems, thanks to a collaborative training initiative under the ILO-China Partnership Programme on Skills Development.

Teachers from Luang Prabang Technical Vocational College recently completed a week-long training programme at Qingdao Technician College in China’s Shandong Province. Both institutions are part of the South-South Cooperation Skills Development Network, a platform that promotes knowledge exchange and capacity building among technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

Held from 4 to 10 June 2025, the training focused on high-demand technical skills aligned with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s labour market needs. Topics included Electronic Control Unit (ECU) service and communication signal systems, motor and battery servicing, battery management systems (BMS), inverter and converter maintenance, Programmable Logic Controller-based factory control systems, and the assembly of main and sub-distribution boards (MDB/SDB).

In addition to technical instruction, the programme emphasized modern teaching methods, including classroom management, hands-on learning integration, and pedagogical innovation to better prepare students for the green economy.

A highlight of the visit was the signing of two cooperation agreements between Luang Prabang Technical Vocational College, Qingdao Technician College and private sector partners. These agreements aim to strengthen curriculum development, teacher training and equipment support for future “Belt and Road” Skills for Dream Workshops. Under the agreements, the enterprises will donate training-relevant equipment worth approximately 1 million RMB, tailored to the needs of both institutions.

“The ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skills Development is committed to promoting green jobs and green skills,” said Tian Feng, Project Manager and Coordinator of the ILO/China Partnership Programme. “This initiative equips job seekers, including men, women, and vulnerable groups, with high-quality skills that open pathways to sustainable and decent employment.”

© ILO

© ILO