Sharing experience of apprenticeships

BANGKOK (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) is holding a regional workshop to discuss quality apprenticeships and work experience in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Delegates from five countries – Cambodia, China, Fiji, Indonesia, and Pakistan - are attending the workshop, on 6-7 October 2015, together with experts from Europe (Germany), Latin America (Peru), and Africa (Zimbabwe) who will share their knowledge of apprenticeships in their regions. Local youth leaders are also attending to talk about their experiences on internships.

Young people in Asia and the Pacific are among the most vulnerable members of society. They represent 45 per cent of global youth unemployment. Quality apprenticeships are important to ensure a high level of applied education, adequate remuneration and to avoid exploitation of lower salaries.

Titled “Quality Apprenticeships and Work Experience Measures to Improve the School-to-Work Transition”, the workshop aims to help young people in their transition from school to decent employment through mutual learning.

The inaugural session was presided over by H.E. Dr Ith Sam Heng, Cambodia’s Minister of Labour and Vocational Training. The ILO was represented by Ms Carmela Torres, Senior Specialist on Skills and Employability, and Mr Matthieu Cognac, Specialist on Youth Employment.

“Young people in the region remain among the most vulnerable members of society. To facilitate the transition from school to decent employment, work-based programmes, including apprenticeships and internships, are crucial,” said H.E. Dr Ith Sam Heng in his opening remarks.

“The ILO seeks to support constituents in their policies and measures to improve and enhance skills and employability of young people through work-based learning systems which prepare young women and men for decent and productive work,” said Ms Carmela Torres, ILO’s Senior Specialist on Skills and Employability.

“This regional workshop responds to the need of ILO’s member States to improve skills and employability for youth, while addressing the fundamental principles for successful quality apprenticeships and work experience measures to improve the school-to-work transition,” she added.

For further information please contact:

Ms Carmela Torres

ILO Senior Specialist on Skills and Employability
Tel.: 02-288-1780

Email

Mr Matthieu Cognac

ILO Specialist on Youth Employment
Tel.: 02-288-1797

Email